The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday issued a sequence of yellow and orange warnings for several districts of Odisha after forecasting a cyclonic circulation over the North Andaman Sea that is likely to lead to a low-pressure area in the East-Central Bay of Bengal.
System expected to form by September 19, approach coast around September 23
The IMD's Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar said the cyclonic circulation is expected to develop by the evening of September 18. Under its influence, a low-pressure area will form over the East-Central Bay of Bengal and adjoining Andaman Sea by September 19, and the system is then predicted to intensify gradually and move west-northwestwards towards the coasts of South Odisha and North Andhra Pradesh, approaching those coasts around September 23.
Forecasters warned of heavy downpours across northern Odisha over the next 48 hours, with an additional intense spell anticipated across parts of both northern and southern belts from September 23 onwards.
District-level alerts and timing
The IMD issued an orange warning for very heavy rainfall in Mayurbhanj and Baleshwar for Thursday. Thunderstorm and lightning advisories were also issued for several interior districts on the same day.
For Friday, the weather office placed a yellow warning—indicating the likelihood of heavy rain and lightning—for the following districts: Mayurbhanj, Kendujhar, Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Cuttack (Kataka), Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khordha, Nayagarh, Ganjam and Gajapati. From September 19 to 22 the IMD expects scattered showers with yellow-level lightning alerts to remain active across northeastern and coastal districts, with a temporary lull statewide on September 22.
As the low-pressure area nears the coast from September 23 onwards, fresh yellow warnings for heavy rainfall were issued for Mayurbhanj, Baleshwar, Rayagada, Gajapati, Koraput and Malkangiri. The IMD advised local authorities and residents in low-lying and vulnerable areas to monitor regular forecasts and take precautions against lightning hazards.
- Immediate (next 48 hours): Heavy rain likely over northern Odisha; orange warning for Mayurbhanj and Baleshwar.
- 19–22 September: Scattered showers and lightning with yellow-level alerts across northeastern and coastal districts; temporary calm expected on 22 September.
- From 23 September: Low-pressure area approaching coast; renewed yellow warnings for heavy rainfall in several districts.
| Date/Period | Alert | Key districts |
|---|---|---|
| Next 48 hours | Orange / Heavy to very heavy rain | Mayurbhanj, Baleshwar |
| 19–22 Sept | Yellow / Scattered showers, lightning | Northeastern & coastal districts (multiple) |
| From 23 Sept | Yellow / Heavy rainfall as system approaches | Mayurbhanj, Baleshwar, Rayagada, Gajapati, Koraput, Malkangiri |
Precautions advised
The IMD bulletin urged residents and local administrations to keep abreast of colour-coded advisories and take standard safety measures. Practical precautions include:
- Avoid outdoor activities during thunderstorms and heavy rainfall; seek safe shelter when lightning is reported.
- Residents of low-lying and flood-prone areas should be prepared for rapid water rise and follow instructions from local disaster management authorities.
- Fisherfolk and small boats should refrain from venturing into the bay until the system weakens and official all-clear is issued.
The IMD will continue issuing updates as the situation evolves. State and district administrations have been asked to remain alert and to coordinate contingency measures where necessary to minimise risk to life and property.
