A depression has weakened into a well-marked low-pressure area over the central parts of Chhattisgarh and its surroundings. The depression that was previously located over the southern interior of Odisha moved west-northwestward and, as of 5:30 PM IST today, August 19th, it is now situated over central Chhattisgarh and nearby regions. It is expected to continue moving west-northwest and weaken further into a low-pressure area over East Madhya Pradesh within the next 12 hours, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre.
The depression has triggered heavy to very heavy rainfall across Odisha in the past 24 hours, with Kotpad in Koraput district recording the highest rainfall at 15 cm. Districts like Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Gajapati, Ganjam, Nuapada, Dhenkanal, Balasore, Kendrapara, Nayagarh, and Khordha have also experienced intense downpours. A warning for continuous rainfall has been issued across the state until August 23.
Starting Wednesday, rainfall intensity is expected to slightly decrease in Odisha, but the depression will continue to cause heavy to very heavy rainfall in Chhattisgarh. A yellow warning for rain with thunderstorms has been issued for districts including Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khordha, Nayagarh, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj on Wednesday. Heavy rainfall is likely in north Odisha from August 23 to 25, with conditions expected to ease from August 24.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts the formation of successive low-pressure systems in the Bay of Bengal, prolonging the monsoon activity until the end of August. A new low-pressure area is likely to form over Bangladesh and the north Bay of Bengal by August 24, triggering heavy rainfall in Odisha from August 23 to 25.
Another low-pressure system is expected around August 27-28, ensuring persistent rainfall through the month’s end. High humidity levels, with atmospheric moisture exceeding 80%, are contributing to sultry conditions, while rough seas along Odisha’s coast have prompted warnings for fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea.
IMD scientist Umashankar Das noted that the monsoon remains active over Odisha, with high moisture levels fueling continuous rainfall. Authorities are on alert, and residents are advised to stay updated on weather warnings as the state navigates this prolonged wet spell.
