Weather Alert / IMD Warns of Heavy Rain in Coastal Odisha as Low Pressure to Bring 4 Days of Downpour

Bhubaneswar, Sep 20: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast four days of heavy rainfall across southern and coastal Odisha, warning fishermen to return from the sea as a low‑pressure system intensifies over the Bay of Bengal.

The southwest monsoon has begun its withdrawal, but a fresh low‑pressure area formed over the north Andaman Sea and adjoining regions on Saturday evening.

IMD said the system is likely to move north‑northwestwards, gradually intensifying into a depression over the east‑central Bay of Bengal by September 21, and further into a deep depression over the west‑central Bay by September 22.

Also read: Monsoon Rainfall Drops 15%, Sparks Drought Fears across India

By September 23 morning, the system is expected to reach the west‑central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal near the south Odisha-north Andhra Pradesh coast. As a result, strong winds of 45–55 kmph are likely to lash coastal Odisha from September 22 onwards, with gusts reaching up to 65 kmph.

Between September 22 and 25, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in southern and interior Odisha. IMD has cautioned that flash floods and landslides may occur in vulnerable districts.

Weather scientists noted that conditions are favourable for the low‑pressure system to strengthen into a deep depression or even a cyclone of mild intensity.

“The exact intensity will be clear only after further development, but heavy rainfall is certain between September 22 and 25,” said an expert.

Authorities have advised fishermen not to venture into the sea and those already at sea to return immediately. District administrations in southern Odisha have been asked to remain on alert for possible flooding and landslides.

While IMD has not yet issued a formal cyclone warning, the evolving system is being closely monitored. The department emphasized that the situation could change depending on the system’s trajectory and intensity.