The Odisha State Meteorological Centre has issued a weather warning as Cyclone ‘Arnab’ approaches, threatening widespread rainfall across several coastal, southern, and central districts between Oct 27 and Oct 30, 2026.
According to reports, atmospheric conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly, reaching peak rainfall intensity on Wednesday, Oct 28, before gradually tapering off by Friday.
Day-by-Day Rainfall Breakdown
Tuesday, October 27: The Approach
Rainfall activity will intensify across southern and coastal regions today as the storm system draws closer:
- South Coastal Region: Ganjam, Puri, and Khordha will experience moderate to heavy rainfall, with isolated places expecting very heavy downpours.
- South Interior Belt: Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, and Nabarangpur are set to receive moderate to heavy showers, with isolated very heavy rain.
- Central & Western Odisha: Nayagada, Dhenkanal, Anugola, and parts of southern Western Odisha will see light to moderate rain, with heavy falls in isolated pockets.
- Central Coastal & North Odisha: Kataka, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, and northern districts will remain mostly overcast with light to moderate showers.
Wednesday, October 28: Peak Rain Intensity Expected
Wednesday is projected to be the most severe day of the spell, with torrential rain threatening lower-lying regions with potential waterlogging:
- Severe Warning for South Coast & Interior: Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri are on high alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall, with extremely heavy downpours likely in isolated areas.
- Heavy Rainfall Zone: Puri, Khurdha, Nabarangpur, Nayagada, Kalahandi, Kandhamala, Balangir, Nuapada, and Baragada are predicted to face moderate to heavy rain, with isolated very heavy rainfall.
- Moderate Activity Elsewhere: Kataka, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Dhenkanal, Anugola, and northern districts will see moderate rain with localised heavy spells.
Thursday, October 29: System Shift Towards North & West
As the cyclone moves through, rainfall will begin easing in southern regions while shifting northward:
- Western & Northern Belt: Sundaragada and adjacent interior districts are expected to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated pockets.
- South & Central Coastal: Ganjam, Puri, Khurdha, Gajapati, and Koraput will transition to light-to-moderate rain with sporadic heavy spells.
Friday, October 30: Rapid Improvement
Weather conditions across the state are expected to improve significantly by Friday:
- Most central and coastal regions will experience dry weather or light, localised rain.
- Northern and western regions will see only lingering light showers as the system dissipates.
Weather officials urge residents—especially those residing in low-lying areas in Ganjam, Gajapati, Puri, and Koraput—to stay updated with official weather bulletins, secure essential items, and avoid unnecessary travel during peak rainfall hours on Oct 28. Fishermen have been advised against venturing into deep sea waters off the Odisha coast.
