Bhubaneswar: The Low Pressure Area brewing over the Northwest Bay of Bengal, off the Odisha coast, has intensified, becoming a well-marked low-pressure area as of 5:30 AM IST today. This development signals a heightened risk of inclement weather for the region.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) bulletin issued at 8:10 AM IST, the well-marked low-pressure area is expected to exhibit a slow northward movement. Forecasters predict a further escalation in its intensity, with a high likelihood of it concentrating into a Depression within the next 24 hours.
Adding to the concern, the IMD has issued a “nowcast” warning for several districts, indicating immediate weather changes. Within the next two to three hours, light to moderate thunderstorms and lightning, accompanied by surface wind speeds reaching 30-40 kmph, are very likely to affect parts of BALASORE, BHADRAK, JAJPUR, KENDRAPARA, JAGATSINGHPUR, PURI, KHORDHA (INCLUDING BHUBANESWAR CITY), CUTTACK CITY, KANDHAMAL, KALAHANDI, GAJAPATI, RAYAGADA, BOLANGIR, BHAWANIPATNA, and NAWARANGPUR districts. Light to moderate rain is also expected in these areas.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have advised coastal communities and residents in the affected districts to stay vigilant. People are strongly advised to keep a watch on the weather for worsening conditions and be ready to move to safer places to protect themselves from lightning strikes. Further updates on the system’s trajectory and potential impact are anticipated from the IMD as it continues to evolve. Residents are urged to follow official advisories and take necessary precautions.