Odisha Braces for Heavy Rainfall as Fresh Low-Pressure Area Brews Over Bay of Bengal

Bhubaneswar: A fresh spell of heavy to very heavy rainfall is on the horizon for Odisha as a new low-pressure system is likely to develop over the north Bay of Bengal around July 24, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The weather agency has issued multiple warnings for various districts over the next four days.

The IMD has forecast that rainfall activity across the state will intensify under the influence of the new system. A yellow warning has already been issued for several southern districts, including Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Kandhamal, and Kalahandi, where heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds reaching 30–40 kmph are expected until the morning of July 22.

Scattered thunderstorms with lightning and similar wind speeds are also likely over Gajapati, Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, and Balasore during the same period.

From July 22 to 23, Koraput and Malkangiri are expected to receive heavy showers, while Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Nuapada, and Nabarangpur have been placed under a yellow warning for thunderstorms and gusty winds.

On July 23–24, rainfall activity is predicted to intensify further. The IMD has issued an orange warning for Cuttack and Nayagarh, forecasting heavy to very heavy rain accompanied by lightning and gusty winds. A yellow warning remains in place for Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, Angul, Kandhamal, Ganjam, Bhadrak, Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, and Boudh.

The spell is expected to peak on July 24–25, with an orange warning issued for Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, and Sundargarh. These districts may witness very heavy downpours along with thunderstorm activity and strong surface winds.

A yellow warning for the same period has been extended to Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Jajpur, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Bargarh, Angul, and Dhenkanal.

The IMD has advised residents and local authorities in the affected regions to stay alert and take necessary precautions against potential waterlogging, localized flooding, and disruption to transportation and power supply.