Argus News - IMD Forecasts Week-Long Rain, No Cyclone Alert for Odisha Yet

Bhubaneswar, Oct 20: The Regional Meteorological Centre has forecast the formation of a low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal within the next 24 hours, which may intensify into a depression over the next 48 hours.

This development is expected to bring widespread rainfall across Odisha for the next 5 to 7 days.

While no cyclone alert has been issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system is likely to move in a west-northwest direction and affect the central and western parts of the Bay. As a result, light to moderate rainfall is expected in several districts including Puri, Khordha, Nayagarh, Ganjam, Gajapati, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, and Rayagada.

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Farmers have been advised to remain cautious due to the possibility of thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30–40 km/h. The Regional Meteorological Centre has issued warnings to avoid exposure during lightning and to secure loose items that may be affected by strong winds.

In the past 24 hours, several districts recorded light to moderate rainfall, with the highest being 79 mm in Sompatna of Keonjhar district. Districts such as Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Dhenkanal, Angul, Nayagarh, Kandhamal, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri may experience thunderstorm activity accompanied by lightning.

Light rainfall is also expected in parts of southern Odisha on Tuesday, with coastal and interior districts likely to receive more showers on October 22 and 23. Rainfall intensity may increase further by October 24.

As of now, no clear low-pressure zone has formed, and IMD has not issued any cyclone warning. Officials clarified that cyclone alerts are typically issued 10–12 days in advance, and there is no immediate cause for panic.