Brace for a wet week ahead as Odisha prepares for a prolonged spell of heavy rainfall. A cyclonic circulation currently stationed over North Thailand is steadily moving toward the North Andaman Sea. According to the Regional Meteorological Centre, this system will trigger a low-pressure area by Saturday evening, escalating weather activities across the state.
The Path of the Storm
The system, currently extending up to 9.4 km above sea level, is projected to intensify and track west-northwestwards. Over the next three to four days, it is expected to concentrate into a depression, moving directly toward the South Odisha and North Andhra Pradesh coasts. Regional Meteorological Centre Director Manorama Mohanty confirmed that the department is closely monitoring the system to determine if it will further intensify into a cyclone.
Weekend Weather Warnings
Until Friday, the southwest monsoon remained weak over Odisha, recording an average rainfall of just 2.9 mm in the last 24 hours—a 69% deficit. However, conditions are rapidly shifting:
- Saturday: A Yellow Warning is in place for heavy rainfall in Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj districts. The rest of the state will experience cloudy conditions with scattered thunderstorms.
- Sunday & Monday: Yellow Warnings for thunderstorms with lightning have been issued for Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Khordha, and Nayagarh.
High Alert Starting Tuesday (Sept 22)
Rainfall intensity will peak beginning Tuesday, September 22. An Orange Warning has been issued for Subarnapur, Boudh, Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Gajapati, and Ganjam. These districts face the threat of very heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and surface winds reaching 30 to 50 kmph.
With continuous rain warnings active until September 27, residents in affected areas are advised to stay updated on the evolving weather conditions and avoid vulnerable areas during heavy downpours.
