Odisha Braces for Low-Pressure System Amid Winter Chill and Harvest Concerns
Bhubaneswar, Nov 20: Odisha is preparing for an unusual weather shift as an active upper-air cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal is expected to trigger a low-pressure system by November 22.
According to the Regional Meteorological Centre, the system may intensify into a depression by November 24, moving west-northwest and potentially strengthening further.
The development raises concerns for farmers, as the untimely rains coincide with the crucial paddy harvest season. Crop damage and a subsequent drop in temperatures are possible, with scientists warning that “rain followed by increased cold is a possibility.”
Currently, dry weather prevails across most of the state, with dense fog reported in Sundargarh and light fog in Kalahandi.
Temperature variations remain stark: coastal districts are recording minima 4.1°C above normal, while north-interior Odisha is experiencing drops of 5°C or more below normal.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea between November 22 and 28.
While dry conditions are expected until November 26, light rainfall may occur in coastal areas, with the full impact of the system becoming clearer in the next 2–3 days.
This weather event, though common in November, underscores the vulnerability of Odisha’s coastal and agricultural communities to sudden climatic shifts.
