Fog and Cyclone Threat Loom Over Odisha as Bay of Bengal Storm Intensifies

Bhubaneswar, Nov 24: Odisha is grappling with a double weather challenge as dense fog blankets large parts of the state while a brewing storm in the Bay of Bengal raises fears of a potential cyclone.

According to the Regional Meteorological Centre, a well‑marked low‑pressure system over the Malacca Strait and the south Andaman Sea is expected to deepen into a depression within 24 hours.

Moving west‑northwest, it could intensify into a cyclone by November 26, with wind speeds reaching up to 100 km/h in isolated areas.

Authorities have issued advisories for fishermen to avoid venturing into deep waters. Heavy rainfall is likely in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry, while Odisha may face lesser impacts.

Odisha Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari assured, “Whether the cyclone comes or not, we are fully prepared.”

Meanwhile, dense fog has disrupted daily life across six districts—Sundargarh, Koraput, Dhenkanal, Khordha, Jagatsinghpur, and Ganjam.

Visibility has dropped to as low as 100 meters, stalling traffic on national highways and forcing commuters in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar to use headlights even during the day.

The iconic Konark Sun Temple was shrouded in mist, affecting tourist footfall.

Meteorologists predict dry weather for the next week, but residents are urged to remain cautious as the twin threats of fog and cyclone loom over the region.