A well-marked low-pressure area over the west-central and northwest Bay of Bengal, along the north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coasts, is set to intensify into a depression by Tuesday, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The system, accompanied by a cyclonic circulation extending up to 9.6 km above sea level, is expected to move west-northwest, crossing the south Odisha and north Andhra Pradesh coasts by the morning of August 19.
The IMD has issued a warning for continuous heavy rainfall across Odisha for the next week, with southern districts like Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, and Koraput already experiencing heavy to very heavy rainfall. Koraput’s Kotpad recorded the highest rainfall in the last 24 hours at 133 mm. Other districts, including Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nayagarh, Khordha, and Puri, have also reported significant rainfall.
The intensifying depression raises concerns about rising water levels in the Mahanadi and other rivers, increasing the risk of flooding in coastal areas. The Odisha government has been urged to stay prepared for potential flood situations. Fishermen have been advised to avoid venturing into deep seas due to rough conditions caused by the active low-pressure system.
The system’s impact is not limited to Odisha. Heavy rainfall is also expected in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Chhattisgarh. A yellow warning has been issued for districts like Nabarangpur, Nuapada, Kalahandi, Koraput, Malkangiri, Bolangir, and Rayagada for heavy to very heavy rainfall on Wednesday. Additionally, 21 districts are on alert for thunderstorms accompanied by rain.
Regional Met Centre Director Manorama Mohanty emphasised the need for vigilance, stating, “The low-pressure system is likely to cause significant disruptions, and authorities are on high alert to manage the situation.”
