Bhubaneswar: A cyclonic circulation that originated in northern Thailand has progressed westward and reached the northern Andaman Sea and nearby areas by 5:30 PM on Saturday.
As a result, a low-pressure region is expected to establish itself over the same area later today.
Dr. Manorama Mohanty, Director of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Bhubaneswar, indicated that this weather system is likely to gradually intensify and move west-northwest towards the southern coast of Odisha and northern Andhra Pradesh over the next three to four days. “While the system may develop into a depression, we will only have a clearer understanding of its path and strength once the low pressure forms,” she stated.
Dr. Mohanty also mentioned that rainfall intensity in the state is expected to increase starting September 22. She reassured residents not to panic about the current weather system, emphasizing that the IMD will keep the public informed should the situation escalate. However, significant rainfall is projected to commence across southern Odisha on that date.
In response to the developing situation, the Odisha government has placed 20 districts on high alert and advised 10 additional districts to remain cautious due to the impending low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, which could intensify into a depression. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari assured that the state government is adequately prepared for potential impacts, noting that some weather models suggest the possibility of a cyclone.
Weather Forecast
From September 19 to 21, scattered rainfall, along with thunderstorms and lightning, may affect Odisha. Heavy rains are forecasted for Kendujhar and Mayurbhanj on September 19, with thunderstorms and gusty winds expected in various districts including Baleshwar, Bhadrak, and Jajpur.
Thunderstorm activity is likely to persist in several areas over the next two days, with heavy rains forecasted to resume in Rayagada, Gajapati, and Ganjam on September 22.
Isolated heavy rainfall is also anticipated on September 23 and 24.
September 22
- Orange Warning: Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds (40-50 kmph) expected in isolated areas over Sonpur, Boudh, Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamala, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Gajapati, Ganjam.
- Yellow Warning: Heavy rainfall (7-11 cm) in isolated areas over Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, along with thunderstorms and gusty winds (30-40 kmph) in Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, and several other districts.
September 23
- Orange Warning: Heavy to very heavy rainfall (12-20 cm) with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds (40-50 kmph) in isolated places over Koraput, Malkangiri.
- Yellow Warning: Heavy rainfall (7-11 cm) in isolated areas over Baleshwar, Mayurbhanj, and other districts, with thunderstorms and gusty winds in various locations.
September 24
- Orange Warning: Heavy to very heavy rainfall (12-20 cm) in isolated areas over Nabarangpur, Koraput, Malkangiri, with thunderstorms and gusty winds expected.
- Yellow Warning: Heavy rainfall (7-11 cm) in isolated areas across Kalahandi, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, alongside thunderstorms and gusty winds in numerous districts.
