Rains Likely Across Odisha as Low-Pressure Area Set to Intensify into Depression

Bhubaneswar, Oct 20: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread rainfall across Odisha over the next five days as a low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a depression.

According to IMD sources, an upper air cyclonic circulation over the South Andaman Sea and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal has persisted, extending up to 5.8 km above mean sea level. Under its influence, a low-pressure area is likely to form over the southeast Bay of Bengal within the next 24 hours.

The system is expected to move west-northwestwards and intensify into a depression over the central parts of the south Bay of Bengal and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal within 48 hours.

Currently, light to moderate rainfall has been reported at a few places in interior Odisha and at many locations along the coast. Heavy rainfall has also been recorded in Keonjhar and Balasore districts.

The IMD has issued yellow warnings for several districts, predicting light to moderate rain or thunderstorms till October 25. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea during this period due to rough weather conditions.