A fresh low‑pressure area has formed over the north‑west Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Odisha–Gangetic West Bengal coast, bringing widespread rainfall across the State.
Meteorologist Umashankar Das confirmed that the system, active since early Wednesday morning, is expected to move north‑northwestward over the next two days.
Under its influence, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued heavy‑rain alerts for several districts. Orange Warning has been declared for Kendrapara, Cuttack, and Jagatsinghpur, while Yellow Warning covers Puri, Khordha, Nayagada, Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Kandhamala, Boudhagada, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Baleshwar, Mayurbhanj, Kendujhar, Anugola, Debagada Sambalpur, Baragada, Jharsuguda, and Sundaragada.
The IMD forecast indicates heavy to very heavy rainfall till July 17, coinciding with the Rath Yatra celebrations, likely soaking the pilgrim town of Puri. Coastal regions may experience winds of 45–60 km/h, making sea conditions rough to very rough. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea till July 18.
Since June 1, Odisha has recorded 354.7 mm rainfall, about 4 per cent above normal (345.5 mm). In the past 24 hours, 13 districts received rain, with Kendrapara’s Rajnagar logging the highest at 155 mm, according to Manorama Mohanty, Director of the Regional Meteorological Centre, Bhubaneswar.
