Heavy rain alert for Odisha; low-pressure area forms over the Bay of Bengal.
Bhubaneswar. Monsoon activity is set to intensify once again in Odisha. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in several districts of the state on Sunday. Rainfall activity is expected to increase following the formation of a low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal areas of West Bengal and North Odisha. In view of the situation, the weather department has issued an ‘Orange’ warning for three districts. People have been advised to remain alert during the inclement weather and heavy rainfall.
According to the bulletin issued by the IMD on Sunday morning, a low-pressure area formed around 5:30 AM under the influence of a cyclonic circulation over the northwest Bay of Bengal. This weather system is centered around the northwest Bay of Bengal and the adjoining coasts of West Bengal and North Odisha.
According to the weather department, this system is likely to move in a north-westerly direction over the next few hours. Additionally, it is expected to intensify further over the next 24 hours. Under the influence of this low-pressure area, rainfall activity is likely to pick up across several parts of Odisha, accompanied by cloudy skies.
The IMD has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in certain areas. Consequently, an ‘Orange’ warning has been issued for three districts. An ‘Orange’ alert signifies that weather conditions in the affected areas could become severe, requiring people to be prepared. Local authorities are also likely to monitor the situation closely based on the weather department’s forecast.
The impact of the rainfall may be felt not only in coastal Odisha but also in the state’s interior regions. Weather systems forming in the Bay of Bengal often intensify monsoon rainfall in Odisha. If the low-pressure area strengthens, both the spatial extent and intensity of the rainfall could increase.
The likelihood of heavy rainfall raises the possibility of waterlogging in low-lying areas. In urban centers, heavy downpours could lead to water accumulation on roads and in underpasses, potentially disrupting traffic. Waterlogging may occur on unpaved roads and in low-lying areas, even in rural regions. Consequently, people are advised to plan their travel while keeping weather conditions in mind.
Extra caution is required during thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds. People—especially those in open fields, farmlands, or near water bodies—should move to safer locations during inclement weather. One should avoid taking shelter under trees when lightning flashes or thunder is heard.
August is a crucial month for the monsoon in Odisha. The formation of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal can lead to a sudden surge in rainfall activity across the state. Often, such weather systems move inland from coastal districts, bringing widespread rainfall to western and interior Odisha. The current system is also expected to move in a north-westerly direction.
This rainfall could be significant for farmers as well. Adequate rain is essential for various crops, including paddy, during the Kharif season. However, excessive rainfall over a short period can lead to waterlogging in fields. Therefore, farmers should plan their agricultural activities based on local weather forecasts and advisories from the Department of Agriculture.
It is particularly important for residents of coastal areas to heed weather department warnings. Rough sea conditions can pose risks to fishermen; thus, it is essential to follow advisories issued by the administration and the meteorological department regarding venturing out to sea.
Changes in Odisha’s weather are likely to become apparent from Sunday following the formation of the low-pressure area. Dense cloud cover and intermittent rain are expected in many areas, with some locations likely to experience higher rainfall intensity. Localized disruptions to daily life cannot be ruled out in areas receiving heavy to very heavy rainfall.
Heavy rainfall may also cause water levels in rivers and streams to rise in vulnerable areas. Continuous rain could necessitate increased monitoring of low-lying areas and drainage systems by the administration. People are advised to avoid crossing overflowing drains or waterlogged roads.
The Meteorological Department is continuously monitoring the activity of this weather system. The next 24 hours are considered crucial, as the low-pressure area is expected to intensify further during this period. Future rain-related warnings may be revised based on the system’s trajectory and intensity.
Given the likelihood of heavy rainfall in several parts of Odisha, people need to remain alert. Special caution is advised for the three districts currently under an ‘Orange’ warning. Residents are urged to keep track of the latest updates from the local administration and the Meteorological Department, and to avoid unnecessary travel during adverse weather conditions.
