Low Pressure Over BoB to weaken; Yellow warning issued for multiple Odisha districts

The low-pressure area over the southwest and adjoining central Bay of Bengal persisted over the same region at 8:30 AM IST on Sunday, February 23, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The associated cyclonic circulation extends up to 5.8 kilometres above mean sea level. The system is very likely to move northeastward and gradually weaken over the next 24 hours. Though no major heavy rainfall activity is expected, the system will influence weather conditions across several districts of Odisha over the next two days.

As per the forecast valid till 8:30 AM IST of February 24, light rain or thunderstorms are very likely to occur at one or two places over Sundergarh, Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Nawarangpur, Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapada, Keonjhar, Jajpur, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nuapada, Jharsuguda, Ganjam, Gajapati and Bargarh districts. The rest of the districts are likely to experience dry weather. The IMD has issued a Yellow Warning for these districts, cautioning that thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty surface winds reaching speeds of 30 to 40 kmph may occur at isolated places. Additionally, shallow to moderate fog is very likely during early morning hours at one or two places over Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Khordha, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj and Puri districts, which may affect visibility.

Day 2 (valid from 8:30 AM IST of February 24 to 8:30 AM IST of February 25): Light rain or thunderstorms are likely at one or two places over Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Ganjam, Gajapati, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundergarh and Dhenkanal districts, while the remaining districts are expected to witness dry weather. The Yellow Warning continues for these districts, with the likelihood of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 30–40 kmph at isolated locations. Shallow to moderate fog is also likely during early morning hours at one or two places over Jagatsinghpur and Puri.

Also Read: Well marked low pressure over southwest Bay of Bengal; IMD predicts heavy rainfall

However, weather conditions are expected to improve thereafter. As per the forecast valid from 8:30 AM IST of February 25 to 8:30 AM IST of February 26, dry weather is likely to prevail across all districts of Odisha as the low-pressure system weakens further. 

Residents are advised to remain cautious during thunderstorm activity, avoid open areas during lightning strikes and stay updated with official weather bulletins.