Bhubaneswar, July 24 (PTI): The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rainfall warning for at least 12 districts in Odisha, following the formation of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal on Thursday morning. The weather system is a remnant of tropical cyclone ‘WIPHA’, which has now re-emerged to influence regional weather patterns significantly.
According to the IMD’s Bhubaneswar regional centre, the low-pressure area developed around 5:30 AM over the north Bay of Bengal and is likely to intensify into a well-marked system within the next 24 hours. It is expected to move west-northwestwards toward the north Odisha and adjoining West Bengal coasts over the next 48 hours.
Rainfall Forecast and Warnings
Under the influence of the system, the state is expected to witness widespread heavy rainfall through July 28, with some areas likely to experience intense showers accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds.
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Orange Warning (Be Prepared):
Districts of Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Malkangiri, and Koraput have been placed under an orange warning for Thursday, indicating the possibility of very heavy rainfall. -
Yellow Warning (Be Aware):
Districts of Sundargarh, Deogarh, Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, and Angul are under a yellow warning, forecasting moderate to heavy rainfall along with thunderstorms, lightning, and winds with speeds reaching 30–40 kmph.
In addition, thunderstorms and gusty winds are also expected in Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Ganjam, and Gajapati, the IMD bulletin added.
Advisory for Fishermen
With rough sea conditions expected to prevail, the IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea till July 27. Coastal authorities have been alerted, and precautionary measures are being recommended to local administrations to prevent any untoward incidents.
Rainfall Performance So Far
Between June 1 and July 24, Odisha has recorded a cumulative rainfall of 533.3 mm, surpassing the normal mark of 466.7 mm for this period. According to the IMD:
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10 districts have received excess rainfall
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17 districts received normal rainfall
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3 districts are in the deficient category
With this active monsoon phase, authorities are urging the public to remain cautious, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
