Depression threat clouds Durga Puja festivities in Odisha as low pressure to intensify, says IMD

The India Meteorological Department (IMD), on Monday, confirmed the formation of a low-pressure area over the northeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal regions of south Bangladesh and Myanmar.

As per IMD, the system formed around 5:30 am this morning, and the associated cyclonic circulation extends up to 5.8 km above mean sea level. It is expected to move west-northwestwards towards the northwest Bay of Bengal in the next 24 hours.

Officials have cautioned that this system may intensify further into a depression, raising concerns for Odisha’s ongoing Durga Puja celebrations.

Widespread Rainfall Expected Across Odisha

The IMD’s Regional Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar has issued warnings for heavy to very heavy rainfall in northern Odisha, particularly in Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj districts, where an orange alert is in effect.

The remaining 28 districts have been placed under a yellow alert, with meteorologists advising residents to prepare for rain and strong winds through September 26. Wind speeds in some areas may reach 50–60 kmph at the peak of the system.

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Second Low-Pressure System on the Horizon

IMD also indicated that the first low-pressure area is only the beginning of an extended rainy spell. Another cyclonic circulation is expected to form near the Myanmar coast around September 30 and consolidate into a low-pressure system by October 1.

This second system is likely to bring light to moderate rainfall across the state on October 1 and 2, potentially prolonging wet conditions during and after the festive period.

The timing of these weather developments poses a challenge for Durga Puja festivities, which traditionally draw large crowds across Odisha. Further, most of the important festive dates fall within the days that the IMD has said may receive heavy rainfall.