Bhubaneswar: The cyclonic circulation over northern Thailand moved westward and reached the northern Andaman Sea and its adjoining area around 5:30 pm on Saturday.
Under its influence, a low-pressure area is likely to form over the same region by this evening.
According to India Meteorological Department (IMD) Bhubaneswar Director Dr. Manorama Mohanty, the system is likely to intensify gradually and move west-northwestward towards the south Odisha and north Andhra Pradesh coast during the subsequent 3-4 days. “The system could intensify into a depression as it progresses, but complete clarity on its trajectory and strength would only emerge once the low pressure forms,” she said.
Mohanty further noted that intensity of rain may increase in the state from September 22. “There is no need to panic regarding the current weather system. The IMD will inform the public at the appropriate time should it intensify further. However, intense rainfall is expected to begin across southern Odisha on September 22,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Odisha government has put 20 districts on alert and asked 10 others to remain vigilant in view of an impending low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal that is likely to intensify into a depression. “The state government is prepared to deal with the situation,” Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said, noting that some weather models indicated the possibility of a cyclone.
Weather Forecast
Isolated to scattered rainfall accompanied by thunderstorm and lightning may occur in Odisha from September 19-21. Heavy rainfall may continue in the districts of Kendujhar and Mayurbhanj on September 19, along with thunderstorm accompanied by lightning and gusty surface wind in Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghapur, Kataka, Sundaragada, Jharsuguda, Baragada, Sambalpur, Debagada, Anugola, Dhenkanal, Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj, Sonpur, Boudh, Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamala, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Khordha and Nayagada.
While thunderstorm activity may continue in several parts of the state during the next two day, heavy Rainfall may resume at one or two places in the districts of Rayagada, Gajapati and Ganjam on September 22.
Isolated very heavy rainfall may occur in the state on September 23-24.
September 22
Orange Warning: Thunderstorm accompanied by lightning and gusty surface winds (40–50 kmph) at isolated places over Sonpur, Boudh, Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamala, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Gajapati, Ganjam.
Yellow Warning: Heavy rainfall (7–11 cm) at isolated places over Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam. Thunderstorm with lightning and gusty surface winds (30–40 kmph) at isolated places over Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Kataka, Kendujhar, Jagatsinghapur, Mayurbhanj, Puri, Khordha, Nayagada.
September 23
Orange Warning: Heavy to very heavy rainfall (12–20 cm) along with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty surface winds (40–50 kmph) at isolated places over Koraput, Malkangiri.
Yellow Warning: Heavy rainfall (7–11 cm) at isolated places over Baleshwar, Mayurbhanj, Kalahandi, Kandhamala, Nawarangpur, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam. Thunderstorm with lightning and gusty winds (30–40 kmph) at isolated places across Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Kataka, Sundaragada, Jharsuguda, Baragada, Sambalpur, Debagada, Anugola, Dhenkanal, Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj, Sonpur, Boudh, Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamala, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Khordha, Nayagada.
September 24
Orange Warning: Heavy to very heavy rainfall (12–20 cm) at isolated places over Nabarangpur, Koraput, Malkangiri. Thunderstorm with lightning and gusty winds (40–50 kmph) at isolated places over Sonpur, Boudh, Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamala, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri.
Yellow Warning: Heavy rainfall (7–11 cm) at isolated places over Kalahandi, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam. Thunderstorm with lightning and gusty winds (30–40 kmph) at isolated places over Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Kataka, Sundaragada, Jharsuguda, Baragada, Sambalpur, Debagada, Anugola, Dhenkanal, Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj, Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Khordha, Nayagada.