Bhubaneswar, Sept. 24 – Odisha is bracing for another spell of heavy rainfall as a fresh low-pressure area has developed over the Bay of Bengal. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system is likely to intensify over the next 24 to 48 hours, bringing widespread rain and thunderstorms across several districts of the state.
Low-Pressure System Strengthening
The IMD bulletin issued on Tuesday said the low-pressure area has formed over the northwest Bay of Bengal, close to the Odisha-West Bengal coast. Meteorologists have cautioned that it may further concentrate into a well-marked low in the coming days.
“Under its influence, many parts of coastal and interior Odisha are likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall till the weekend,” the IMD stated. “Wind speed may also pick up along the coast, with gusts reaching 40–50 kmph in some areas.”
Districts on Alert
The weather office has sounded a yellow warning for heavy rainfall in districts such as Ganjam, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Khordha, and Cuttack on Wednesday and Thursday. Interior districts including Kalahandi, Bolangir, and Kandhamal could also see intense showers as the system moves inland.
Authorities have asked local administrations to remain on alert for possible waterlogging, flash floods, and damage to standing crops. Special attention is being paid to low-lying areas that are prone to flooding during continuous heavy rain.
Impact on Agriculture
September rains play a crucial role in Odisha’s agrarian economy. Farmers, who were concerned about patchy rainfall earlier this monsoon season, may find temporary relief in the fresh showers. However, agricultural experts have warned that excessive rainfall could harm standing paddy crops and vegetables in coastal belts.
“The rains are a double-edged sword,” said agricultural scientist Dr. Prakash Mohanty. “While it will recharge soil moisture and benefit late-sown crops, waterlogging for more than two or three days could lead to crop loss, particularly in delta regions.”
Fishermen Advised to Stay Ashore
The IMD has also issued a warning to fishermen not to venture into the sea for the next three days due to rough conditions over the Bay of Bengal. Squally weather with high waves is expected along Odisha’s coast, making marine activities risky.
The state’s Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) has directed district collectors to closely monitor the situation and ensure dissemination of weather advisories to fishermen and coastal communities. “Early warning and timely evacuation, if needed, are key to minimizing risks,” the SRC office said.
Preparedness Measures
In anticipation of heavy rain, the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and fire service teams have been kept ready for emergency deployment in vulnerable areas. Drainage clearance work has also been expedited in major cities such as Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Puri to avoid severe waterlogging.
Power distribution companies have been instructed to maintain emergency response teams to deal with possible electricity disruptions. The state government has further asked irrigation authorities to keep a close watch on river levels and reservoir inflows.
Past Weather Context
Odisha has already witnessed multiple low-pressure-induced rainfall events this monsoon. In August, a similar system had triggered heavy downpours, causing flooding in parts of Balasore and Mayurbhanj districts. Experts attribute the frequent formation of low-pressure systems to warm sea surface temperatures in the Bay of Bengal, which act as a breeding ground for such weather disturbances.
Outlook Ahead
The IMD has predicted that rainfall activity will gradually decrease from Saturday as the low-pressure area weakens while moving northwestward. However, isolated showers are expected to persist in some parts of the state.
Citizens have been urged to stay updated with weather advisories, avoid unnecessary travel during heavy spells, and take precautionary measures against waterlogging and lightning strikes.
With the festive season around the corner, authorities hope that the rain will not cause major disruptions. For now, all eyes remain on the evolving weather system over the Bay of Bengal and its impact on Odisha in the days ahead.
