Bhubaneswar, Sep 1: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a significant weather update for Odisha, forecasting widespread rainfall due to the formation of a low-pressure area over the north Bay of Bengal.

A cyclonic circulation currently active over the northeast Bay is expected to evolve into a low-pressure system within the next 24 hours, triggering intensified monsoon activity across the state.

Starting Monday, rainfall is expected to increase, with five southern districts — Rayagada, Gajapati, Koraput, Nabarangpur, and Malkangiri — likely to experience heavy showers accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. The IMD has placed Koraput and Malkangiri under an orange alert, anticipating very heavy rainfall tomorrow.

Additionally, districts including Kandhamal, Rayagada, Gajapati, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, and Nuapada have been issued a yellow alert due to the possibility of moderate to heavy rainfall, lightning, and gusty winds reaching 30–40 kmph.

While the system is not expected to intensify into a deep depression, rough sea conditions are likely to persist, prompting authorities to advise fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea for the next five days.

This weather development comes at a time when Odisha is already grappling with seasonal flooding in several regions, and the new alerts are expected to help mitigate further impact.