A low-pressure system developed early Saturday over the northwestern Bay of Bengal near the West Bengal and northern Odisha coast, resulting in a warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall across the state for the next five days.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that this system formed around 5:30 a.m. due to an active cyclonic circulation. Rainfall is anticipated to intensify further on Sunday, with a red alert issued for Mayurbhanj district due to the expectation of extremely heavy rain.
An orange warning has been declared for several districts, including Bhadrak, Baleshwar, Kendujhar, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, Anugola, Debagada, and Sundargarh. Meanwhile, a yellow warning is in effect for Puri, Khordha, Nayagada, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Kataka, Boudhagada, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Sonepur, Baragada, Kandhamala, Kalahandi, Balangir, and Nuapada.
The IMD forecasts widespread rainfall across Odisha until September 2, with strong winds reaching speeds of 40-60 kmph along the coast, creating rough sea conditions. Fishermen are advised to refrain from going to sea until August 31.
So far, six locations have recorded substantial rainfall, with Khaira in Baleshwar registering the highest at 96 mm. Since June 1, the total rainfall in Odisha has reached 1,111.4 mm, surpassing the normal average of 884.2 mm by 26%.
Authorities are advising residents to stay vigilant, especially in low-lying and flood-prone regions, as the weather system continues to develop.
