Bhubaneswar: A cyclonic circulation originating from northern Thailand has shifted westward, reaching the northern Andaman Sea and nearby regions around 5:30 PM on Saturday.
As a result, a low-pressure area is expected to develop in the same vicinity by this evening.
Dr. Manorama Mohanty, Director of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Bhubaneswar, stated that the system is anticipated to gradually strengthen and move towards the west-northwest, affecting the southern coast of Odisha and northern Andhra Pradesh within the next three to four days. She mentioned, “The system could evolve into a depression as it advances, but we will need to wait for the low-pressure formation to gain clearer insights into its path and intensity.”
Furthermore, Mohanty indicated that rainfall intensity in Odisha is expected to rise starting September 22. She reassured the public, saying, “There is no need for alarm regarding the current weather system. The IMD will provide timely updates should the situation escalate. Nonetheless, significant rainfall is forecast for southern Odisha beginning September 22.”
In response to the impending low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal that may intensify into a depression, the Odisha government has placed 20 districts on high alert and advised another ten to remain cautious. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari confirmed, “The state government is ready to manage the situation,” and noted that certain weather models suggest a possible cyclone formation.
Weather Forecast
From September 19 to 21, isolated to scattered rainfall, along with thunderstorms and lightning, is expected across Odisha. Heavy rain may persist in Kendujhar and Mayurbhanj on September 19, while thunderstorms and gusty winds are predicted in Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghapur, Kataka, Sundaragada, Jharsuguda, Baragada, Sambalpur, Debagada, Anugola, Dhenkanal, Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj, Sonpur, Boudh, Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamala, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Khordha, and Nayagada.
Thunderstorm activity is likely to persist in various regions over the next two days, with heavy rain anticipated in some areas of Rayagada, Gajapati, and Ganjam on September 22.
On September 23 and 24, isolated areas may experience very heavy rainfall.
Warnings for September 22
- Orange Warning: Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds (40-50 kmph) expected at isolated locations in Sonpur, Boudh, Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamala, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Gajapati, and Ganjam.
- Yellow Warning: Heavy rainfall (7-11 cm) in isolated places of Rayagada, Gajapati, and Ganjam. Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds (30-40 kmph) in Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Kataka, Kendujhar, Jagatsinghapur, Mayurbhanj, Puri, Khordha, and Nayagada.
Warnings for September 23
- Orange Warning: Heavy to very heavy rainfall (12-20 cm) with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds (40-50 kmph) at isolated locations in Koraput and Malkangiri.
- Yellow Warning: Heavy rainfall (7-11 cm) at isolated places in Baleshwar, Mayurbhanj, Kalahandi, Kandhamala, Nawarangpur, Rayagada, Gajapati, and Ganjam. Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds (30-40 kmph) across various districts.
Warnings for September 24
- Orange Warning: Heavy to very heavy rainfall (12-20 cm) at isolated locations in Nabarangpur, Koraput, and Malkangiri, along with thunderstorms and gusty winds (40-50 kmph).
- Yellow Warning: Heavy rainfall (7-11 cm) expected in isolated places across Kalahandi, Rayagada, Gajapati, and Ganjam, with thunderstorms and gusty winds (30-40 kmph) in several districts.
