Low pressure to trigger thunderstorm, heavy rainfall in Odisha; IMD issues yellow warning for several districts

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed Odisha under yellow and orange alerts as a low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal continues to impact weather conditions across the state.

According to the IMD’s Regional Meteorological Centre, Bhubaneswar, the system, stretching from north Andhra Pradesh to south Odisha, is likely to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall in several districts over the next five days. The forecast also warns of thunderstorms with gusty winds reaching speeds of 30–40 kmph.

Heavy Rain Likely In Southern and Western Districts

According to the IMD’s forecast, southern districts, including Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, and Kalahandi, have been placed under orange alert for today, with the likelihood of very heavy rain, lightning, and gusty winds.

Yellow warnings have been issued for Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khordha, Nayagarh, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Sonepur, Boudh, Nuapada, Bolangir, Kandhamal, and other districts.

ALSO READ: Monsoon withdrawal likely to begin around September 15: IMD

Synoptic Situation and Forecast

At 1430 hours IST on 12 September, the low-pressure area persisted over the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal.

The associated upper air cyclonic circulation extends up to 5.8 km above mean sea level, tilting southward with height. It is expected to move west-northwest across south Odisha, north Andhra Pradesh, and south Chhattisgarh over the next two days.

Five-Day Rainfall Outlook

12–13 September: Light to moderate rain at most places, heavy to very heavy rain at one or two locations in Koraput and Malkangiri. Thunderstorms with lightning are likely in multiple districts.

13–14 September: Heavy rain in southern Odisha districts, thunderstorms with gusty winds in multiple northern districts.

14–15 September: Light to moderate rain in a few districts; thunderstorms continue with gusty winds in northern and central regions.

15–16 September: Similar conditions persist with scattered rain and thunderstorms.

16–17 September: Light to moderate rain in northern and southern districts; thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds expected at isolated locations.

Authorities have warned fishermen to avoid venturing into the Bay of Bengal until 20 September due to the possibility of a new low-pressure system or cyclonic circulation forming over the region.