A low-pressure area has formed over the northeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining regions this morning, accompanied by an associated cyclonic circulation extending up to 5.8 km above sea level.
According to Manorama Mohanty, Director of the Regional Meteorological Centre, this system is expected to move west-northwestwards and remain active over the northwest Bay of Bengal in the next 24 hours, leading to widespread rainfall across Odisha.
Currently, two low-pressure systems are influencing the state, raising concerns that the ongoing Durga Puja festivities, including Dussehra, could be dampened by persistent rain. The Meteorological Centre has issued warnings for heavy rainfall throughout the week. Another new low-pressure area is anticipated to form around September 25 over the east-central and adjoining north Bay of Bengal. This is projected to move west-northwestwards, intensifying into a depression by September 26 over the northwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal, near the south Odisha-north Andhra Pradesh coasts. By September 27, it is likely to cross the south Odisha-north Andhra Pradesh coast.
Under the influence of these systems, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected across the state, particularly in the south, north, and coastal Odisha. A week-long spell of intense rain is forecasted, with an orange warning for very heavy rainfall issued for Sundargarh and Sambalpur districts on Tuesday. Yellow warnings for heavy to very heavy rain have been issued for Deogarh, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Jharsuguda, Angul, Boudh, Sonepur, Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, and Kalahandi districts. For the remaining districts, alerts for rain accompanied by lightning and thunder have been sounded.
During the rainfall, gusty winds of 50-60 kmph are possible in isolated areas. The sea is expected to remain rough, prompting advisories for fishermen currently at sea to return to shore immediately and avoid venturing out until September 26.
In the past 24 hours, light to moderate rain was recorded in many places, with heavy rainfall in three locations. The highest was 85 mm in Gop, Puri district, followed by 65 mm each in Sanakhemundi, Ganjam district, and Chilika area, Khordha district. Warnings for heavy to very heavy rain remain in effect until September 28, as stated by Director Mohanty.
Authorities urge residents to stay vigilant, avoid low-lying areas, and prepare for potential disruptions due to the inclement weather.
