A low-pressure area has formed over the northwest Bay of Bengal adjoining the Odisha-West Bengal coast, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to forecast widespread rainfall across Odisha over the next five days.
According to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Bhubaneswar, the weather system is expected to intensify over the next 48 hours, increasing the likelihood of heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by gusty winds in several parts of the state.
Orange Warning for four districts
The IMD has issued an Orange Warning for the districts of Keonjhar, Anugola, Dhenkanal and Cuttack, where heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected during the warning period.
Yellow Warning for 16 districts
A Yellow Warning has been issued for 16 districts, including:
- Puri
- Khurda
- Nayagarh
- Jagatsinghpur
- Kendrapara
- Jajpur
- Bhadrak
- Balasore
- Mayurbhanj
- Sundargarh
- Jharsuguda
- Deogarh
- Sambalpur
- Bargarh
- Sonepur
- Boudh
These districts are likely to experience heavy rainfall, with gusty surface winds of 30–40 kmph at isolated places.
Fishermen advised to stay ashore
With sea conditions expected to remain rough under the influence of the low-pressure system, the IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea until July 27. Those already at sea have been urged to return to the coast at the earliest.
Authorities issue public advisory
The weather office said the rainfall is likely to affect coastal, interior and western Odisha, increasing the risk of localised waterlogging, reduced visibility, traffic disruptions and flooding in low-lying areas.
Residents, particularly those living in vulnerable locations, have been advised to remain alert, avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain and thunderstorms, and follow official weather advisories issued by the IMD and local authorities.
The IMD said it will continue to closely monitor the movement and intensity of the low-pressure system and issue further updates as required.
