Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued significant weather warnings for Odisha, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall across numerous districts over the next four days, driven by a potent low-pressure system. Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution as thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds are expected to accompany the downpours. 
Odisha Heavy Rain Alert: IMD Issues 4 Days Orange, Yellow Warnings for Districts


Weather System Driving the Rain

The current weather event stems from a low-pressure area firmly situated over Northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal regions of West Bengal and Bangladesh. As of Monday, this system lay over coastal Gangetic West Bengal and its surrounding areas. Crucially, the associated cyclonic circulation extends deep into the middle levels of the atmosphere, indicating its strength and potential for sustained rainfall. The IMD predicts this system will move slowly west-northwestwards over the next 48 hours, traversing North Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, and Jharkhand.

Multi-Day Impact and District Warnings

This movement places Odisha directly in the path of significant weather activity. The IMD has responded with a series of color-coded warnings (Orange and Yellow) highlighting the expected intensity and spread of the rainfall:

Day 1 (Up to 0830 hrs IST, July 1)

Orange Warning (Heavy to Very Heavy Rain): Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Sambalpur, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Koraput. Thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds (30-40 kmph) are also very likely.
Yellow Warning (Heavy Rain): Rayagada, Nuapada, Jharsuguda, Balasore, Bhadrak, Gajapati, Deogarh, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, Angul. Thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds (30-40 kmph) are also very likely. 

Day 2 (July 1, 0830 hrs IST to July 2, 0830 hrs IST)

Orange Warning (Heavy to Very Heavy Rain): Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur. Thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds (30-40 kmph) remain likely.
Yellow Warning (Heavy Rain): Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Bargarh, Sonepur, Angul, Deogarh. Thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds (30-40 kmph) are likely.

Day 3 (July 2, 0830 hrs IST to July 3, 0830 hrs IST)

Orange Warning (Heavy to Very Heavy Rain): Sundargarh, Jharsuguda.
Yellow Warning (Heavy Rain): Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Deogarh, Sambalpur, Bargarh.

Day 4 (July 3, 0830 hrs IST to July 4, 0830 hrs IST)

Orange Warning (Heavy to Very Heavy Rain): Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar.
Yellow Warning (Heavy Rain): Angul, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Sambalpur, Sundargarh, Deogarh.

Understanding the Warnings

Orange Warning (Be Prepared): Signals severe weather. Heavy to very heavy rainfall (64.5 mm to 204.4 mm in 24 hours) poses significant risks, including flooding, waterlogging in low-lying areas, disruption of traffic, and potential damage to vulnerable structures. Thunderstorms and lightning add life-threatening hazards.
Yellow Warning (Watch): Advises residents to stay updated as heavy rainfall (64.5 mm to 115.5 mm in 24 hours) is expected. While less severe than orange, it still carries risks of localized flooding and disruption.

Urgent Advisory for Residents

The IMD and state authorities strongly advise residents in the affected districts to:
  • Stay Informed: Closely monitor official weather updates from IMD and local disaster management authorities.
  • Avoid Travel: Refrain from unnecessary travel, especially through waterlogged areas or during intense thunderstorms. If travel is essential, exercise extreme caution.
  • Seek Shelter: Stay indoors during thunderstorms and heavy rain. Avoid open fields, high ground, and isolated trees due to lightning risk.
  • Prepare Essentials: Keep emergency kits ready with necessities like water, food, medicines, torches, and batteries.
  • Secure Property: Take precautions to secure loose objects outdoors and clear drains where possible.
  • Follow Official Orders: Adhere strictly to any evacuation advisories or instructions issued by local authorities.
The persistence of this low-pressure system over several days increases the cumulative rainfall threat significantly. Authorities are activating disaster response mechanisms, and residents across the warned districts, particularly those under Orange alerts, must prioritize safety and preparedness throughout this prolonged period of intense weather. The IMD continues to monitor the system closely and will provide further updates.