Odisha Braces for More Rain as IMD Flags New Cyclonic Threat Amid La Niña Concerns

Bhubaneswar, Sept 14 — Odisha remains under a weather siege as heavy rains continue to lash the state, triggered by a low-pressure system hovering over north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coasts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued yellow alerts for multiple districts, warning of thunderstorms, lightning, and intense downpours.

Districts including Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, and Cuttack are expected to receive heavy rainfall over the next few days. Fishermen have been cautioned against venturing into the sea due to rough conditions and strong winds.

Adding to the concern, the IMD forecasts the development of a fresh weather system over the Bay of Bengal around September 20. This could evolve into a cyclonic circulation, prolonging the monsoon spell and potentially intensifying rainfall across the region.

Meteorologists are also tracking a moderate La Niña phase expected to emerge later this month. Historically, La Niña conditions have been linked to increased cyclone activity in the Bay of Bengal, especially during October—a month notorious for severe storms along Odisha’s coastline.

This marks the twelfth low-pressure system of the current monsoon season, which has already caused flooding in several districts. Authorities are on high alert as the state prepares for possible escalation in weather-related disruptions.