Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in at least 12 districts of Odisha over the next few days due to a low-pressure area that has developed over the Bay of Bengal (BoB).
According to the IMD’s regional centre in Bhubaneswar, the low-pressure area—formed from the remnant of tropical cyclone ‘WIPHA’—took shape over the north Bay of Bengal at around 5:30 am Thursday. The system is likely to intensify further in the next 24 hours and move in a west-northwest direction towards north Odisha and the adjoining West Bengal coast within the next 48 hours.
In view of the evolving weather system, the IMD has issued an Orange warning (signifying ‘be prepared’) for Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Malkangiri, and Koraput districts, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall on Thursday.
A Yellow warning (meaning ‘be aware’) has been issued for Sundargarh, Deogarh, Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, and Angul districts, which are expected to experience heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30–40 kmph.
Thunderstorm activity with lightning and similar wind speeds has also been predicted for Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Ganjam, and Gajapati districts.
The IMD has also warned of rough sea conditions and advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea till July 27.
Since the start of the monsoon season on June 1, Odisha has recorded a cumulative rainfall of 533.3 mm, exceeding the normal of 466.7 mm for the period till July 24. Ten districts have reported excess rainfall, 17 districts received normal rainfall, while three districts have experienced deficient monsoon activity so far.
