Low pressure area forms over Bay of Bengal; IMD predicts rainfall in Odisha districts till August 27

A fresh low-pressure area has formed over the northwest Bay of Bengal off the Gangetic West Bengal region and adjoining Bangladesh under the influence of an active cyclonic circulation, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Saturday. 

According to the weather office, the system is expected to move northwestwards towards Jharkhand during the next 24 hours, bringing widespread rainfall to several districts of Odisha.

The Met Office has issued a Red Warning for Sundargarh district, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall at one or two locations. In addition, districts like Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Sambalpur, and Jharsuguda are likely to experience heavy showers at isolated places.

According to the IMD, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and wind speeds ranging between 30 and 40 kmph may also occur in several parts of the state. Residents have been advised to take necessary precautions, particularly in low-lying and vulnerable areas where waterlogging is possible.

The weather department has further indicated that rainfall activity will continue across Odisha till August 27. Farmers have been cautioned against venturing into fields during lightning and thunderstorm activity. At the same time, fishermen are advised to stay alert as gusty surface winds may pose risks in some inland water bodies.