Weather Alert / Odisha Braces for Heavy Showers, Thunderstorms as Low‑Pressure Forms

Bhubaneswar, Sep 10: A low‑pressure area has formed over the north Bay of Bengal and adjoining regions at 5:30 am on Thursday, following the impact of an active cyclonic circulation observed on Wednesday.

The associated system extends up to 9.4 km in the atmosphere and is tilting southwestward, raising the likelihood of heavy rainfall across southern Odisha.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued multiple alerts across the state. A red warning has been declared for Mayurbhanj district, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall.

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Orange warnings have been issued for Baleshwar, Bhadrak, and Kendujhar districts, predicting heavy to very heavy showers.

Meanwhile, yellow warnings are in place for Koraput, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Ganjam, Gajapati, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Khordha, Kataka, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, and Anugola districts.

The remaining 13 districts are under yellow warnings for thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching 30-50 kmph.

In response to the red alert, authorities in Mayurbhanj have ordered the closure of all schools on Thursday. District Collector’s instructions, conveyed through the District Education Officer, mandate that government and aided schools from primary to higher secondary levels remain shut for student safety. Private schools have also been directed to suspend classes after 10 a.m.

Officials emphasized strict compliance with the directive, urging headmasters, principals, and teachers to immediately inform parents via WhatsApp, phone calls, or SMS to ensure no child attends school.

The precautionary measure comes as heavy rainfall continues to lash the district, raising concerns about flooding and safety hazards.

The IMD has cautioned that widespread rainfall across Odisha may intensify in the coming hours, with localized heavy downpours likely to disrupt normal life.