Bhubaneswar, Sept 22: The festive spirit of Dussehra in Odisha is likely to be dampened as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread rainfall over the coming days due to multiple low-pressure systems developing over the Bay of Bengal.

As per the GFS (Global Forecast System) model, a low-pressure area currently forming over Myanmar is expected to move towards the Bay of Bengal by September 30, reaching close to the Odisha coast by October 2. Under its influence, several parts of the state may witness intense to very intense rainfall, including during the Dussehra celebrations.

Cyclonic circulation already formed

IMD has reported that a cyclonic circulation has developed over the north Andaman Sea and adjacent Myanmar coast. This system is likely to intensify into a low-pressure area over the north Bay of Bengal within the next 24 hours. Due to its impact, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely over:

Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj on Monday

Isolated heavy showers are expected in Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Sundargarh, Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, and Jagatsinghpur

Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are also likely in many coastal and interior regions.

New low pressure around September 25

Meteorologists predict that another low-pressure system may form over the east-central and adjoining north Bay of Bengal around September 25. This may intensify into a depression, leading to widespread heavy rainfall across Odisha till September 27.

Heavy rain is particularly likely in:

Northern and southern Odisha on September 23 and 24

Southern Odisha districts from September 25 to 27

Senior agrometeorologist Prof. Surendranath Pasupalak noted that this system could further strengthen, bringing more intense rain across the state.

Landfall Between Gopalpur and Visakhapatnam

According to forecasts, the system is likely to make landfall between Gopalpur and Visakhapatnam on September 26, potentially as a depression. Rainfall activity across Odisha is expected to intensify from September 24, peak around September 25, and may continue beyond Dussehra.

Possible cyclone under watch

In addition, the GFS model has indicated the formation of another low-pressure area over the South China Sea, which may turn into a deep depression. Parts of this system could reach Myanmar by September 30, eventually moving towards the Odisha coast.

While some models do not support the possibility of a cyclone, the IMD bulletin suggests that favourable conditions for cyclogenesis may emerge between September 26 and 27. However, clarity on this is expected by September 24 or 25.