Bhubaneswar: A cyclonic circulation has developed over North Odisha and the adjoining Gangetic West Bengal region. The system is currently positioned over the northwest Bay of Bengal and the adjoining North Odisha–Gangetic West Bengal coast at an altitude of 0.9 km above mean sea level, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The IMD also informed that another upper-air cyclonic circulation remains active over South Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining Bangladesh, extending between 1.5 km and 5.8 km above mean sea level. Under the influence of these systems, Odisha has been witnessing heavy rainfall.
The IMD has issued a warning for heavy rain across the entire state on Friday as well, with particularly intense rainfall expected over coastal Odisha. An orange warning has been issued for Mayurbhanj district, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall. Yellow Warnings for heavy rain have been issued for the districts of Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Cuttack, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Gajapati and Ganjam.
Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and rain are also likely in all districts of the state. Wind speeds are expected to range between 30 and 40 kmph.
Meteorologists have assessed that similar weather conditions are likely to persist until next week. Residents, especially in the warned districts, have been advised to stay alert and take necessary precautions.
According weather scientist Sarat Sahu, the cyclonic circulation may take the shape of a low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal by the August 9. The possibility of it intensifying into a depression around the August 11-12 cannot be ruled out. Due to its effect, southern and coastal Odisha are likely to receive more rainfall from August 8 to August 11. From August 12, rainfall may increase over the northern, western and coastal parts.
