Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported that the cyclonic circulation over Gangetic West Bengal and adjacent Jharkhand has intensified into a low-pressure area.
The system, extending up to 7.6 km above mean sea level, is expected to move west- northwestwards and become more pronounced in the next 24 hours.
Odisha, which has already experienced several wet spells, is predicted to face heavy to very heavy rainfall in the coming days due to this system. A heavy rainfall alert has been issued for certain areas in the districts of Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Sambalpur, Deogarh, and Bargarh over the next 24 hours.
Additionally, widespread light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning is likely over the next five days. IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra has indicated that the system will significantly affect Odisha, with many regions expecting heavy to very heavy rainfall. He also forecasted extreme rainfall for today and tomorrow. Moreover, eastern Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh are also set to experience similar weather conditions.
Despite the heavy rainfall predictions, Mr Mohapatra expressed optimism regarding the flood situation in Odisha, noting that even though some areas may receive up to 20cm of rain, the northern parts of the state have had less rainfall, reducing the likelihood of floods.
