A fresh low-pressure area has developed over the northwest Bay of Bengal, influenced by an active cyclonic circulation near Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining Bangladesh, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The system is expected to move northwestward toward Jharkhand within 24 hours, triggering widespread rainfall across Odisha.
The IMD has issued a Red Warning for Sundargarh district, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated locations. Districts including Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Sambalpur, and Jharsuguda are also likely to receive significant showers. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and wind speeds between 30–40 kmph are predicted in several regions.
Authorities have urged residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas to remain cautious. Farmers are advised to avoid fieldwork during lightning activity, and fishermen should stay alert due to gusty surface winds affecting inland water bodies.
Rainfall activity is expected to persist across the state till August 27, with IMD continuing to monitor the evolving weather pattern.
