Heavy Rain to Lash Odisha from Aug 29 as Bay Low Pressure Builds

Bhubaneswar: The Regional Meteorological Centre has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall across Odisha from August 29, triggered by a fresh low‑pressure area forming over the Bay of Bengal around August 30.

Authorities have issued orange alerts for districts including Mayurbhanj, Baleshwar, Kendujhar, Bhadrak, and Jajpur, warning of severe rainfall on Friday.

By Sunday, Sundargarh, Sambalpur, Debagarh, Angul, Kendujhar, and Mayurbhanj are expected to face similar conditions.

A yellow alert has also been issued for Puri, Khordha, Nayagarh, Ganjam, Gajapati, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Sundargarh, Dhenkanal, and Jharsuguda, indicating moderate rain and thunderstorms.

Wind speeds may reach 50 kmph, raising flood risks in several river basins. Between June 1 and August 26, Odisha recorded 1,100.2 mm of rainfall, which is 28% above normal.

Four districts reported excess rainfall, 18 reported above normal, and eight reported normal.

Authorities have urged residents to remain alert, avoid waterlogged areas, and follow official advisories as the monsoon system strengthens.