Weather Alert / Low‑pressure Fears Ease, Odisha Set for Grand Dussehra Celebrations

Bhubaneswar, Oct 14: Odisha is set to witness intermittent rainfall over the next few days as the southwest monsoon gradually retreats, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The IMD noted that a low-pressure system expected to form over the Bay of Bengal has weakened, reducing immediate concerns.

However, the influence of easterly winds and western disturbances has kept weather conditions unstable, with cloudy skies and light showers reported across coastal districts.

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On October 14, light to moderate rain or thundershowers are likely in parts of Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Kataka, Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj, Kandhamal, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Khordha and Nayagada. Other districts are expected to remain mostly dry.

The IMD has also forecast rainfall on October 15 in several districts, including Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Khordha and Nayagada.

A yellow warning has been issued for isolated places in these districts, cautioning of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30-40 kmph.

Officials said the southwest monsoon is steadily withdrawing from Odisha, with conditions becoming favourable for its complete retreat from the remaining parts of the country within two days. Simultaneously, the northeast monsoon is expected to set in over southern India.

Despite the weakening of the low-pressure system, the IMD advised residents to remain alert to sudden weather changes, especially in coastal areas where light rain continues.

The department added that festive celebrations, including Dussehra, are likely to proceed without major disruption, though occasional showers may occur.