Bhubaneswar, 2 September (H.S.): The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday said a fresh cyclonic circulation has formed over the northeast Bay of Bengal and is likely to intensify into a low-pressure area, triggering widespread rainfall across Odisha over the next five days.

Several districts are already experiencing scattered showers, but rainfall activity is expected to increase significantly under the system’s influence. In the next 24 hours, heavy to very heavy rain is likely in Rayagada, Gajapati, Koraput, Nabarangpur, and Malkangiri districts, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.

The IMD has issued an orange warning for Koraput and Malkangiri districts, while Kandhamal, Rayagada, Gajapati, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, and Nuapada have been placed under a yellow warning. These areas may experience heavy rain, thunderstorm activity, and gusty surface winds with speeds of 30–40 kmph.

Although the system is not expected to intensify beyond a low-pressure area, the sea will remain rough. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the Bay of Bengal for the next five days due to adverse sea conditions.

“Light to moderate rainfall is expected across many parts of the state, while one or two places may witness heavy to very heavy rainfall in the next 24 hours. Several districts are also likely to experience thunderstorms with gusty winds,” said Manorama Mohanty, Director of the Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda