Deep depression developing over the Bay of Bengal is expected to approach the south Odisha-north Andhra Pradesh coast on Wednesday, September 23, leading to heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in several districts.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said the system, which developed from a low-pressure area over the east-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Andaman Sea, was expected to move west-northwestwards and intensify into a depression on Monday before becoming a deep depression over the west-central Bay of Bengal on Tuesday.
The weather system is expected to reach the coastal region around the morning of September 23. A separate assessment by the SOA Centre of Environmental and Climate said the system could cross the Odisha coast between Ganjam and Puri districts during the night of September 23 or the forenoon of September 24.
Extremely Heavy Rain Forecast In Odisha And Andhra Pradesh
The approaching system has prompted weather warnings across Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
The IMD has forecast extremely heavy rainfall in parts of Coastal Andhra Pradesh on September 23 and 24. Its latest subdivision warning also indicates very heavy rainfall on September 22, followed by extremely heavy rain on September 23 and 24.
Odisha will also experience an intense spell of rainfall. The IMD's latest warning lists very heavy rain on September 22 and extremely heavy rainfall on September 23 and 24, followed by very heavy rainfall on September 25 and heavy rain on September 26 and 27.
According to The New Indian Express, very heavy rainfall is likely in parts of Kandhamal, Gajapati, Ganjam and Puri on Wednesday, and Kalahandi, Kandhamal and Rayagada could receive heavy to very heavy rain on Thursday.
The IMD also said thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds would be in play in areas affected by the system.
Strong Winds And Rough Weather Along Coast
The weather system will bring heavy rainfall with it and strong winds along the coast.
According to the IMD-linked forecast, squally winds of around 55-65 kmph, gusting up to 75 kmph, are likely along and off the south Odisha and north Andhra Pradesh coasts from September 23 to the evening of September 24.
The IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea during a period of adverse weather. Fishermen already at sea have been advised to return to the coast in view of the worsening conditions.
Heavy rains and strong winds could impact coastal and low-lying areas, and heavy rainfall in southern and western Odisha could also result in localized flooding, waterlogging, and transport disruption at the same time.
So authorities are closely monitoring the system as it moves towards the coast.
Odisha Districts On Alert
Odisha has increased its preparedness ahead of the expected approach of the system.
The IMD has issued an extremely heavy rainfall warning for several districts, and the latest reports indicate a particularly high risk over Kandhamal, Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Kalahandi and Rayagada on September 23 and 24.
The Odisha government has put district administrations on high alert and will be monitoring the situation as it becomes clearer. Residents of southern and coastal districts, collectors in particular, are being advised to be ready for heavy rainfall and strong winds, the reports said.
The system is being closely watched because its own track and intensity can determine which districts get the heaviest rainfall.
Although some weather models have suggested the possibility of further strengthening, the IMD's current forecast does not indicate that the system will necessarily intensify into a cyclonic storm. The SOA Centre of Environmental and Climate (New Indian Express) also said that it may not intensify further because it is associated with the monsoon circulation.
Rain Could Extend Beyond Odisha And Andhra
The impact of the system is expected to extend beyond the immediate coastal areas.
The IMD has forecast rainfall over parts of Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Vidarbha, as well as Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. South Chhattisgarh could experience extremely heavy rainfall around September 24, while Telangana is expected to experience widespread rainfall during the period.
The system is also expected to affect weather conditions over eastern and central parts of the country as it moves inland.
For Andhra Pradesh, the system could bring much-needed rainfall to some areas that have been experiencing relatively dry conditions. Farmers and residents of the state are hopeful that the developing weather system will boost rainfall and water availability as reservoirs and groundwater levels decline, the New Indian Express writes.
But there are risks to the environment from extreme rainfall in a short time frame, particularly for those areas with low-lying areas and in low-lying areas prone to flooding or landslides.
Weather System To Be Closely Monitored
The low-pressure area began to develop over the north Andaman Sea and was moving west-northwest towards the east-central Bay of Bengal. The IMD forecast that it would become a depression on September 21 and a deep depression on September 22, and then move towards the south Odisha-north Andhra Pradesh coast on September 23.
With the system now moving towards the coast, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh officials are closely monitoring rainfall, wind, and sea conditions.
At the moment, for residents of affected districts, the concern is that there could be very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall on September 23 and 24. Warnings will be updated as the track and intensity of the system becomes more clear.
The IMD's warnings are concerning at sea, and fishermen and people living in regions vulnerable to heavy rain, strong winds, and waterlogging are also warned to be cautious.
