Low-pressure system to develop over Bay of Bengal; thunderstorm alert for Odisha

Bhubaneswar(By Abhishek Mohanty): A low-pressure area is expected to take shape over the Bay of Bengal in the next 48 hours, potentially triggering thunderstorms in several parts of Odisha on February 23 and 24, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

According to the weather office, an upper air cyclonic circulation persists over the Equatorial Indian Ocean and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal. Under its influence, a low-pressure system is likely to form over the region during the next two days and subsequently move west-northwestwards.

Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds are forecast at isolated places across multiple districts on February 23, with wind speeds likely to reach 30 to 40 kmph.

Districts that may experience thunderstorm activity on February 23 include Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Kendrapada, Cuttack, Puri, Nuapada, Khordha, Jagatsinghpur, Nabarangpur, Koraput, Kalahandi and Malkangiri.
On February 24, similar conditions are likely at isolated places in Mayurbhanj, Cuttack and Khordha districts.

The IMD has advised residents to stay alert during thunderstorm activity and take necessary precautions against lightning strikes and strong winds.