Bhubaneswar, August 16: A low-pressure area has formed over the over northwest Bay of Bengal northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Odisha-West Bengal coasts, a development expected to trigger widespread heavy rainfall in Odisha.
The system is likely to move nearly northwestwards and become more marked during next 24 hours.
“Under the influence of the upper air cyclonic circulation over northwest Bay of Bengal, a low pressure area has formed over northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining west Bengal-north Odisha coasts. It is very likely to move nearly northwestwards and become more marked during next 24 hours,” IMD scientist Umashankar Das posted on ‘X’.
Several districts are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rain, with warnings issued for different parts of the State by the IMD.
The weather department said that squally weather, with wind speeds reaching 40-50 kmph and gusting to 60 kmph, is very likely over the northwest and adjoining West Central Bay of Bengal and along and off the coasts of West Bengal, adjoining Bangladesh, Odisha and north coastal Andhra Pradesh from August 16 to 18.
Sea conditions are also likely to remain rough to very rough over the region during this period.In view of the expected weather conditions, fishermen have been advised not to venture into the northwest and adjoining west central Bay of Bengal and along and off the coasts of West Bengal, adjoining Bangladesh, Odisha and north Andhra Pradesh from August 16 to 18. Authorities in coastal areas are likely to keep a close watch on the situation as the system develops and moves further inland.
The weather department has also advised fishermen and coastal communities to remain alert and follow local advisories during the period of adverse weather.
The latest weather system comes amid the ongoing southwest monsoon season, when low-pressure systems over the Bay of Bengal can influence rainfall and wind conditions across coastal and adjoining parts of eastern India.
The system is also expected to bring changes in weather conditions over parts of Odisha, West Bengal and north coastal Andhra Pradesh, with authorities monitoring its movement and possible impact on rainfall and wind activity.
Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre has issued an orange warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall for Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj and Balasore districts on Sunday while a Yellow Warning has been issued for other districts.
Winds are also likely to blow at speeds of 30 to 40 kmph. A red warning has been issued for Mayurbhanj and Balasore.
The weather department is monitoring its movement as it is likely to intensify.
Meanwhile, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Saturday reviewed the flood situation, preparedness and response measures in Jajpur, Bhadrak, Mayurbhanj, Balasore and Keonjhar districts.
ODRAF teams have been carrying out the safe evacuation of elderly persons and children from flood-affected areas of Dasarathpur block in Jajpur district and other vulnerable areas in Jajpur, Bhadrak and Balasore districts ensuring timely assistance and protection for vulnerable communities during the flood situation.
