Bhubaneswar, 26 August (H.S.): Odisha is expected to experience another spell of heavy rainfall as a fresh low-pressure system is likely to form over the Bay of Bengal within the next 48 hours, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Tuesday.

According to the IMD, a cyclonic circulation has already developed over the west-central Bay of Bengal and is expected to intensify into a low-pressure area. Under its influence, widespread moderate to heavy rainfall is likely to affect several parts of the state starting Wednesday and continue through August 29.

The system is expected to gradually strengthen over the next two days, potentially increasing rainfall activity across both coastal and interior districts of Odisha. Currently, several regions are already witnessing rainfall due to the prevailing cyclonic circulation.

The IMD has issued a yellow warning for 10 districts for the next 24 hours, alerting residents to the risk of waterlogging, flash floods, and possible disruption of transport and daily life. Coastal regions of Odisha and neighboring West Bengal are expected to be most affected as the weather system intensifies.

District administrations have been advised to remain on high alert and initiate precautionary measures, particularly in flood-prone areas where river levels remain elevated due to recent rainfall.

“A cyclonic circulation is currently positioned over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas. Under its influence, a low-pressure system is likely to develop within the next 48 hours. As a result, rainfall activity is expected across Odisha over the next three to four days, with both northern and southern regions likely to receive significant rainfall within the next 24 hours,” said Dr. Manorama Mohanty, Director of the Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are coordinating with local bodies to ensure timely response in vulnerable regions.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda