Odisha continues to receive heavy rainfall; fresh low-pressure and La Nina cyclone threat grows in BoB

Widespread rainfall lashed several districts of Odisha over the past 24 hours under the influence of an ongoing low-pressure system over north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coasts.

In this regard, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed several districts under a yellow warning, cautioning of thunderstorms, lightning, and heavy downpours in the coming days.

According to the IMD’s Regional Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar, the system has triggered rain across most parts of the state, with coastal, western, and southern districts receiving significant showers.

Alerts have been issued for Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, and Kalahandi districts, where intense rain accompanied by lightning and thunder is expected. Heavy spells are also forecast for Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, and Cuttack. Fishermen have been advised against venturing into the sea until further notice.

Fresh system likely around September 20

The IMD has further warned of another developing weather system over the Bay of Bengal by September 20.

It may evolve into either a low-pressure area or a cyclonic circulation, potentially extending the ongoing wet spell.

The present low-pressure system is forecast to intensify and move west-northwestwards towards parts of north Andhra Pradesh and south Chhattisgarh over the next 48 hours, keeping Odisha under an active monsoon phase.

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La Nina raises October cyclone concerns

Meanwhile, weather experts have pointed to a larger trend that could affect Odisha’s post-monsoon season. A moderate La Nina phase, expected to emerge by late September, is likely to influence Bay of Bengal conditions, raising the probability of cyclones in October.

Meanwhile, the current development in the weather marks the 12th low-pressure system of this year’s monsoon season, which has also resulted in widespread flooding across several northern and southern districts of the state.