Well marked low pressure area forms over Bay of Bengal, to intensify into depression in 24 hours

The low pressure area over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a well marked low pressure area on Wednesday and it is likely to move northwards and further intensify into a depression within the next 24 hours.

Under the influence of the system, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected across Odisha till May 31, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds. The IMD has issued alerts for several districts, warning of possible intense weather conditions.

Odisha To Receive Above-Normal Rainfall

IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, speaking to OTV, said that Odisha is likely to receive above-normal rainfall in June. He added that the monsoon will arrive in parts of Odisha within the next two to three days, aided by the system’s rapid progress due to increased monsoon activity.

Odisha Districts Put on Alert

Meanwhile, the Odisha government put all districts on alert after the IMD predicted heavy rains under the influence of the system, which is also likely to expedite the arrival of the southwest monsoon in the state.

The monsoon is expected to arrive in Odisha in two-three days due to activation of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, said Manorama Mohanty, the director of the Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar.

"Conditions are now favourable for the arrival of the south-west monsoon in Odisha," she said.

"Entire Odisha will receive rainfall on Wednesday, and five districts will get heavy to very heavy rainfall," she added.

The IMD has issued an 'Orange' alert, notifying people to be prepared to take action, for heavy to very heavy rain in Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Cuttack, Koraput and Rayagada.

A 'Yellow' alert, asking people to be aware, was issued for the rest of the 25 districts.

District Administrations Asked To Remain Prepared

The Special Relief Commissioner's Office directed the district administrations to be ready to face any eventuality and report damage caused by thunderstorms, whirlwinds, hailstorms, lightning and rainfall immediately.

The advice for fishermen should be strictly implemented, it said.

The IMD advised fishermen not to venture into the deep sea between May 29 and June 1.