The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a special bulletin on Tuesday forecasting the formation of a fresh low-pressure area over the northern Bay of Bengal around July 24, 2025.
This development is expected to bring widespread rainfall, thunderstorms, and squally winds across various districts of Odisha, prompting both Yellow and Orange warnings.
According to the bulletin, the monsoon trough currently stretches from Sri Ganganagar to the northeast Bay of Bengal via key cities like Rohtak, Lucknow, and Jamshedpur. An upper air cyclonic circulation over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha has shifted slightly northward, indicating a southeastward tilt up to 5.8 km above mean sea level.
Heavy rainfall was already recorded in multiple districts, including Malkangiri (10 cm), Komna (9 cm), Kotpad (8 cm), and Kosagumuda (7 cm), with more precipitation expected in the coming days.
The IMD’s five-day outlook includes:
- Yellow Warnings (July 22-23): Thunderstorms with lightning and wind speeds reaching 30-40 kmph likely in 20+ districts, including Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, and Kalahandi.
- Orange Warnings (July 24-25): Heavy to very heavy rainfall likely in Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Keonjhar, and Bhadrak. Citizens are advised to prepare for potential flooding, power outages, and traffic disruptions.
Fishermen have been strongly advised against venturing into the sea waters from July 24 to 26 due to rough conditions and squally weather along Odisha, West Bengal, and Bangladesh coasts. Wind speeds may reach up to 55 kmph during this period.
In light of potential damage to crops, power lines, and infrastructure, authorities have urged residents in vulnerable zones to stay indoors, avoid waterlogged roads, and disconnect electronic devices during thunderstorms.
IMD Bhubaneswar has alerted disaster management officials and local administrations to closely monitor weather developments and take precautionary steps for public safety.
