Bhubaneswar, Sep 20: As Odisha gears up for Dussehra celebrations beginning on September 22, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow warning for widespread rainfall and thunderstorms across the state, starting September 23.

A low-pressure area is likely to form over the east-central and adjoining northeast Bay of Bengal by September 25, with potential development near the Myanmar-Bangladesh coast. This system is expected to intensify rainfall activity across Odisha, particularly in the northern and southern regions.

The IMD has forecast moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30–40 km/h. A yellow warning has been issued for all districts, with Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar flagged for particularly intense showers.

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On September 21, 14 coastal and northern districts, including Sundargarh, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Balasore, Cuttack, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Nayagarh, Khordha, Puri, Ganjam, and Gajapati, are expected to witness thunderstorms with lightning and heavy rain.

Rainfall is expected to continue through September 26, with the IMD cautioning residents to remain alert. In the past 24 hours, Kamakhyanagar in Dhenkanal district recorded the highest rainfall at 27.2 mm, while other regions experienced light to moderate showers.