Bhubaneswar, Oct 21: Several districts across Odisha are likely to witness more rainfall as the low-pressure system that formed over the southwest Bay of Bengal has now intensified into a well-marked low-pressure area, informed the Indian Meteorological Department's Regional Centre.

While red alert has been issued for Southern regions of the state, yellow alert was sounded for 13 districts. 

According to the latest update, the system is expected to move in a west-northwest direction and may further develop into a depression by tomorrow.

The weather system is likely to impact the northern coast of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and southern Andhra Pradesh. However, officials have confirmed that it will not directly affect Odisha.

Despite this, the Meteorological Department has forecast light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning across various districts of Odisha over the next five days. Southern, coastal, and northern parts of the state are expected to experience the most significant impact.

According to the IMD, Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Ganjam, Boudh, Nayagarh, Khordha, Puri, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, and Kendrapara might witness heavy rainfall in the next 24 hours.

Meanwhile, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari has said all district Collectors have been asked to remain alert to combat any possible situation following the predictions of the foreign weather model and India Meteorological Department.

Also read: Low-Pressure Area Forms Over Bay of Bengal, Likely To Intensify Within 36 Hours

"Two low-pressures have been predicted. While an weather agency of America has forecast a cyclone, the IMD predicts rains only. Southern Odisha has been put on red alert keeping IMD’s prediction of heavy rains. District Collectors have been advised to stay alert against possible rains," said the Minister.

Rainfall is also expected tomorrow in coastal and southern interior districts including Jajpur, Bhadrak, and Balasore. The intensity of rainfall is likely to increase on October 26, added the weather department.