Bhubaneswar, Sept 25: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for heavy to very heavy rainfall across several districts of Odisha on September 26 and 27, due to the influence of a developing low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal. The system is expected to intensify and bring widespread rain, particularly over southern and coastal Odisha.

According to the IMD forecast, extremely heavy rainfall is likely on September 26 in districts such as Koraput and Rayagada, while heavy rain is also expected in parts of northern and southern Odisha, including Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Khordha, Malkangiri, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, and Balasore. Winds may reach speeds of 40–50 kmph, with gusts touching 60 kmph, especially in coastal regions.

On September 27, the low-pressure system is expected to persist, causing further rainfall across southern Odisha. The IMD has issued an Orange Warning for Nabarangpur, forecasting very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall. Other districts likely to be affected include Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Malkangiri, and Koraput. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are also likely over many parts of interior and coastal Odisha on both days.

Meanwhile, the low-pressure area currently lies over northern Odisha and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal and is gradually weakening. However, the IMD has warned of a fresh low-pressure system forming over the northern and central Bay of Bengal by Thursday (Sept 26), which is expected to move westward and intensify into a depression. This may prolong the spell of rainfall until the evening of September 27.