Bhubaneswar: Odisha may experience rainfall during the upcoming Durga Puja festivities as a low-pressure area is likely to form over the south-east Bay of Bengal by October 13. The possible development of the weather system has drawn attention as the state prepares for the festive period, when thousands of people participate in religious ceremonies, pandals and community celebrations.
Meanwhile, 13 districts of Odisha have been placed under a yellow warning for thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds. According to the available weather forecast, isolated areas in these districts may experience thunderstorms and surface winds reaching speeds of 30–49 kmph.
Although the developing system could influence weather conditions over Odisha, its intensity, direction of movement and further development remain uncertain. There is currently no clear indication of whether the low-pressure area will strengthen into a cyclonic storm.
Low-Pressure Area Likely Over Bay of Bengal by October 13
According to reports, a cyclonic circulation is currently active over the Gulf of Thailand and adjoining areas. The circulation extends up to approximately 9.4 kilometres above mean sea level and is expected to move towards the Andaman Sea region.
Under its influence, a low-pressure area may develop over the south-east Bay of Bengal by October 13. Such weather systems can influence rainfall patterns across eastern India, depending on their formation, movement and intensity.
However, the possible development of the system does not necessarily mean that it will intensify into a cyclone. Meteorologists will need to monitor its progress to determine its likely path and potential impact on Odisha.
The weather system’s development is particularly important because rainfall during the festive season could affect outdoor celebrations, pandal visits, traffic movement and other public activities across the state.
Rain During Durga Puja Remains a Possibility
The potential formation of the low-pressure area has raised the possibility of rain in Odisha during Durga Puja. However, the exact timing, distribution and intensity of any rainfall will depend on how the system develops over the Bay of Bengal.
Durga Puja is celebrated across Odisha with religious rituals, elaborate decorations and temporary pandals attracting large gatherings of devotees. If rain occurs during the festivities, it could affect outdoor programmes and the movement of visitors in some areas.
At present, the developing system’s impact on the state remains uncertain. People planning outdoor celebrations should follow updated weather bulletins as the situation becomes clearer.
The formation of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal does not automatically indicate that heavy rainfall or cyclone conditions will occur. Further forecasts will be important in establishing whether the system is likely to bring widespread rain or only localised weather activity.
Yellow Warning Issued for 13 Odisha Districts
A yellow warning has been issued for 13 districts, where isolated thunderstorms accompanied by gusty surface winds are expected.
The districts covered by the warning are:
- Mayurbhanj
- Keonjhar
- Balasore
- Bhadrak
- Jajpur
- Kendrapara
- Jagatsinghpur
- Cuttack
- Khordha
- Puri
- Nayagarh
- Ganjam
- Gajapati
These districts span northern, coastal and southern parts of Odisha. The forecast indicates the possibility of thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30–49 kmph in isolated locations.
Residents in the affected areas should remain alert to changing weather conditions, particularly if thunderstorms develop during outdoor activities. It is advisable to avoid taking shelter under isolated trees during lightning and to secure loose objects that could be displaced by gusty winds.
A yellow warning generally signals that people should remain aware of possible weather-related risks and follow official advisories.
No Weather Warning Issued for October 12
According to the information provided in the forecast, no weather warning has been issued for October 12. Western Odisha and other parts of the state are not expected to be affected by the warning mentioned for the previous day, and no rainfall is anticipated under that particular forecast.
However, weather conditions can change as atmospheric systems develop. The possible formation of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal remains under observation, and its future movement could influence subsequent forecasts for Odisha.
Residents should distinguish between the district-specific thunderstorm warning and the separate possibility of a developing low-pressure system. The two are related to the broader weather outlook but do not necessarily indicate the same conditions or timing.
Weather System Under Observation
The next few days will be important in determining whether the developing circulation over the Gulf of Thailand and adjoining areas leads to the formation of a low-pressure area over the south-east Bay of Bengal.
Its eventual direction, strength and movement will determine the extent to which it could influence Odisha’s weather during Durga Puja. At this stage, there is insufficient clarity to establish whether the system will develop into a cyclonic storm.
Residents, organisers of Durga Puja celebrations and people planning travel across Odisha should keep track of the latest updates from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and follow official weather advisories.
