Cyclonic circulation over BoB, heavy rain forecast for Odisha for five more days: IMD

Odisha is set to brace for another prolonged spell of rainfall, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting showers across the state for the next five days starting August 27. 

While light to moderate rain is expected widely, the southern districts are likely to be hit harder, prompting the weather office to issue multiple alerts.

As per the forecast, Malkangiri district has been placed under an orange warning for the possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall.

The forecast also added that ten other districts, including Koraput, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Kandhamal, Nayagarh, Khordha and Puri, have been issued yellow warnings, with the likelihood of intense showers accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds. The rest of the state may also experience scattered rainfall and lightning.

The IMD said that while heavy showers are expected through Wednesday, rainfall activity could reduce to light or moderate intensity between August 30 and September 1.

Low-Pressure System Brewing in Bay of Bengal

Meteorologists attributed the renewed rainfall activity to a cyclonic circulation over the west-central Bay of Bengal, which is likely to intensify into a low-pressure area within the next 48 hours.

Under its influence, rainfall will be widespread and heavy across coastal and interior regions. The system may further strengthen, sustaining wet conditions into early September.

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Flood Situation Worsens in Several Districts

The forecast comes even as Odisha continues to grapple with flood-related challenges. A major breach in the Kani River embankment near Jajpur earlier this week inundated villages, submerging farmlands and homes.

Meanwhile, the Subarnarekha River has triggered its fifth flood of the season in Balasore district, leaving hundreds of villages marooned. Vast stretches of Baliapal, Jaleswar and Bhograi blocks remain underwater, with road links snapped and thousands of hectares of standing crops destroyed.