The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal will move northwestwards and cross the Odisha coast between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur on the night of September 23.
IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said the system is likely to intensify into a deep depression by evening and touch the coast late tonight. “As it approaches land, its speed will reduce, but it will linger longer over the southern coastal districts, bringing very heavy rainfall,” he noted.
The weather office has predicted extremely heavy rain in several southern Odisha districts, with wind speeds reaching 55–65 kmph during landfall. The system is expected to move gradually north‑northwest toward Chhattisgarh by September 24, shifting the rainfall focus inland.
Authorities have warned of possible landslides in hilly areas, damage to standing paddy and other crops, and breaking of small tree branches due to gusty winds.
The IMD has urged residents and local administrations to remain alert as the deep depression makes landfall, marking another intense spell of monsoon activity over the region.
