A fresh cyclonic circulation has formed over the northeast Bay of Bengal and is likely to intensify into a low-pressure area, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Tuesday. The system is expected to trigger widespread rainfall across Odisha over the next five days.
Currently, several districts are already receiving light to moderate showers. However, heavy to very heavy rainfall has been forecast for five southern districts—Rayagada, Gajapati, Koraput, Nabarangpur, and Malkangiri—within the next 24 hours, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.
The IMD has issued an orange warning for Koraput and Malkangiri districts, while Kandhamal, Rayagada, Gajapati, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, and Nuapada have been placed under a yellow warning for possible heavy rainfall and thunderstorm activity. Surface winds with speeds of 30–40 kmph are also expected in some areas.
Although the system is not likely to strengthen further, the sea will remain rough. Fishermen have been strictly advised to avoid venturing into the Bay of Bengal for the next five days due to adverse conditions.
“Several places in Odisha will witness light to moderate showers, with isolated areas likely to receive heavy to very heavy rain along with gusty winds,” said Manorama Mohanty, Director of the Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre.
The IMD has cautioned residents in affected districts to remain alert and take necessary safety measures during the wet spell.
