Odisha Braces for Heavy Rain Till Aug 16 as Bay Low-Pressure System Nears

Odisha is bracing for a prolonged spell of heavy rain, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting wet conditions across several parts of the state through August 16 as a low-pressure area is likely to develop over the Bay of Bengal.

The IMD’s Bhubaneswar Centre said an upper-air cyclonic circulation was currently lying over the Bay of Bengal and could intensify into a low-pressure area around August 12. Rainfall activity is expected to increase further between August 12 and 15.

A yellow warning has been issued for several districts, including Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur and Cuttack. Residents have been advised to remain alert as thunderstorms, lightning and gusty surface winds are also likely at several places.

With sea conditions expected to remain rough to very rough, the weather office has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea along and off the Odisha coast from August 11 to 14.

Rain has already affected normal life in parts of the state. Bhubaneswar and Rourkela received rainfall on Monday, with Rourkela witnessing heavy downpours that left several low-lying areas waterlogged and roads inundated.

The waterlogging made commuting difficult, while a construction shed at Rourkela railway station was reportedly damaged by the rain.

In Bhadrak district, water levels in the Salandi and Baitarani rivers were rising, raising concerns over further flooding. Officials said floodwater had entered several villages in Tihidi block.

The weather system is being closely monitored as the expected formation of the low-pressure area could intensify rainfall across Odisha. Authorities and residents in vulnerable areas are likely to remain watchful, particularly as the IMD forecast indicates continued rainfall activity over the coming week.

The combination of heavy rain, thunderstorms, gusty winds and rising river levels could pose challenges for transport and low-lying settlements. People have been urged to follow weather advisories and exercise caution during periods of intense rainfall.

Residents in flood-prone areas should stay updated on official warnings and avoid unnecessary travel during intense rain episodes.