Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a multi-day weather alert for Odisha, forecasting widespread light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds across the state.
The alert comes as an existing low-pressure system over the region is expected to be followed by a more significant weather system developing over the Bay of Bengal later this week.
According to the midday bulletin from the Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar, a low-pressure area currently lies over coastal areas of Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining north Odisha. This system is likely to persist for the next 24 hours, influencing weather patterns.
Of greater concern is the likelihood of a new low-pressure area forming over the northwest Bay of Bengal around September 25. The IMD has predicted that this system will concentrate into a depression and cross the coasts of South Odisha and North Andhra Pradesh around September 27.
The IMD has issued a cascade of colour-coded warnings for all 30 districts of Odisha over the next seven days.
Day 1 (Today until Wednesday morning): An Orange Warning (Be Prepared) for heavy to very heavy rain is in effect for Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Sundargarh, Koraput, and Malkangiri. A Yellow Warning (Be Aware) for heavy rain and thunderstorms covers most other districts.
Day 2 & 3: The Orange Warning shifts to western districts like Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, and Sambalpur on Day 2, and back to southern districts like Koraput and Malkangiri on Day 3.
Days 4 to 7: The intensity of warnings is expected to gradually decrease, but widespread rainfall activity will continue, with Yellow Warnings remaining for several districts.
The weather office has warned of potential impacts, including damage to vulnerable structures, standing crops, plantations, and kutcha roads. Localized flooding, waterlogging in urban areas, disruption of power and communication lines, and traffic disruptions are also likely.
IMD has advised the public to avoid vulnerable structures and unnecessary travel during heavy downpours.
In light of the rough sea conditions forecasted, a stern warning has been issued for fishermen. Squally weather with wind speeds reaching 45-55 kmph is expected from today until September 24, intensifying to 50-60 kmph between September 25 and 27.
Fishermen have been strongly advised not to venture into the sea off the Odisha coast and the north Bay of Bengal during this period.
