IMD Warns of Heavy Rainfall in 19 Odisha Districts

Heavy rainfall is expected in 19 of Odisha’s 30 districts due to the intensification of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The IMD issued this warning on July 14, 2025, and cautioned that fishermen should avoid venturing into the sea for the next 24 hours.

The low-pressure system, which has developed into a well-marked area, is influencing weather conditions in the region. Fishermen in the northern Bay of Bengal are advised against sea activities as squally winds are anticipated, with speeds reaching 40 to 50 km/h and gusts up to 60 km/h off the coast of northern Odisha.

Weather Warnings and Impact

In its morning bulletin, the IMD provided detailed forecasts regarding the impending rainfall. The bulletin stated, “The low-pressure area over north Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh, West Bengal, and north Odisha moved north northwestwards and lay as a well-marked low-pressure area over southwest Bangladesh and adjoining Gangetic West Bengal at 0530 hours IST of Monday. It is likely to move northwestwards and concentrate into a depression during the next 24 hours.”

The IMD issued a red warning for three districts—Mayurbhanj, Keonhar, and Sundargarh—indicating extremely heavy rainfall of over 20 centimeters. An orange warning was placed for five districts, including Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak, and Balasore, forecasting very heavy rainfall ranging from 12 to 20 centimeters. Additionally, a yellow warning for heavy rainfall of 7 to 11 centimeters has been issued for 11 other districts.

The IMD also cautioned residents about the potential consequences of the heavy rains. There are risks of local flooding, landslides, damage to standing crops, and kutcha houses. The agency has advised that waterlogging may disrupt traffic and inland water transport due to poor visibility and hazardous conditions.

The situation calls for vigilance as communities prepare for the adverse weather expected in the coming days. Local authorities are urged to implement necessary safety measures to mitigate risks associated with heavy rainfall and possible flooding.