Bhubaneswar: A low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining West Bengal–north Odisha coast intensified into a well-marked low-pressure area on Sunday and is likely to strengthen into a depression within the next 24 hours, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue heavy rainfall and rough sea warnings for Odisha and other eastern coastal states.
The IMD said the weather system had intensified into a well-marked low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining West Bengal–north Odisha coasts as of 2.30 pm on Sunday. It is expected to move northwestwards and further intensify into a depression during the next 24 hours.
Under its influence, weather conditions are expected to deteriorate across Odisha, West Bengal, adjoining Bangladesh and north Andhra Pradesh over the next few days. The IMD has forecast widespread rainfall, with heavy showers likely over several coastal and interior districts of Odisha.
The Met office has also warned of squally weather over the northwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal, with wind speeds of 40-50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph, from August 16 to 18. Similar wind conditions are expected along and off the coasts of Odisha, West Bengal, adjoining Bangladesh and north Andhra Pradesh.
Sea conditions over the region are likely to remain rough to very rough, making fishing and other marine activities unsafe. The IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the northwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal and along and off the coasts of Odisha, West Bengal, adjoining Bangladesh and north Andhra Pradesh during the period.
The advancing weather system is also expected to bring widespread rainfall over parts of eastern and central India as it moves inland. In Odisha, coastal districts are likely to witness intermittent heavy rain accompanied by gusty winds, while adjoining districts may receive moderate to heavy rainfall.
The IMD has urged people, particularly those living in low-lying and vulnerable coastal areas, to keep a close watch on weather updates and follow advisories issued by district administrations.
