Heavy rainfall likely in Odisha

Bhubaneswar, July 31 (IANS) Odisha is likely to experience heavy rainfall and thunder showers coupled with gusty surface winds in the next 24 hours due to a low pressure area formed over the Bay of Bengal.

"Under the influence of the upper air cyclonic circulation over east-central Bay of Bengal and neighbourhood, a low pressure area has formed today (Sunday) over northeast, adjoining northwest and east-central Bay of Bengal," an India Meteorological Department (IMD) bulletin said here.

Under its impact, rain or thunder showers are very likely to occur at most places over north, south and coastal Odisha during the next 24 hours and increase thereafter, IMD said.

"Gusty surface wind speed reaching 35 to 45 kmph gusting 50 kmph may prevail along and off south Odisha coast. Sea condition would be moderate to rough along south Odisha coast," IMD said.

IMD advised the fishermen to be cautious while venturing into the sea along the south Odisha coast.