Fresh low-pressure over bay to bring heavy rain, thunderstorms to Odisha till July 4: IMD

Bhubaneswar, June 28: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds across several districts of Odisha till July 4, as a fresh low-pressure system begins to develop over the Bay of Bengal.

A persistent upper air cyclonic circulation over southwest Bangladesh and adjoining Gangetic West Bengal, extending up to 7.6 km above mean sea level, is influencing this new weather system. The IMD stated that under its impact, a low-pressure area is likely to form over the north Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal Bangladesh and West Bengal within the next 48 hours. This system is expected to move slowly west-northwestwards, affecting Gangetic West Bengal, north Odisha, and Jharkhand in the coming days.

An orange warning has been issued for very heavy rainfall in Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj districts by Sunday morning. Additionally, a yellow warning for heavy rain has been issued for Balasore, Sundargarh, Kendrapada, Bhadrak, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Bargarh, Balangir, Sambalpur, Angul, and Boudh.

The IMD has also warned of thunderstorms with lightning and gusty surface winds reaching speeds of 30–40 kmph in parts of Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Sonepur, Deogarh, Dhenkanal, and Jharsuguda.

Authorities have been advised to remain alert, as the weather may lead to localized flooding, waterlogging, and disruptions in transport and outdoor activities.