Many parts of Eastern and Central India could see heavy rainfall today (September 11) as a weather system over the Bay of Bengal continues to influence conditions across the region, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) says.
The weather office has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated places in Odisha, Chhattisgarh and coastal Andhra Pradesh on Friday. Many other states like the northeast, central India and the Himalayan region are also expected to witness isolated heavy showers.
The rainfall activity is attributed to a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal. The system was located on September 10 over the northwest Bay of Bengal and nearby areas, with cyclonic circulation up to about 9.4 km above mean sea level, said IMD.
The system is influencing atmospheric conditions in several states and is expected to maintain wet weather in the eastern and central parts of the country and will keep the weather in the lower and central parts of the country wet.
Heavy rainfall forecast for Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh
Odisha, Chhattisgarh and coastal Andhra Pradesh are among the states facing heavy to very heavy rain at isolated locations on Friday.
In Odisha it is expected to rain and thunderstorms and strong winds in Odisha are expected to accompany heavy rains and strong winds. Wind speed could be 40-50 kmph at times in some parts of Odisha.
Coastal Andhra Pradesh could experience stronger winds, with speeds potentially reaching 50-60 kmph, along with heavy rainfall.
The IMD has also warned of similar gusty wind conditions in parts of Marathwada, Rayalaseema, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Vidarbha.
We urge residents in areas likely to see thunderstorms and strong winds in areas with weather warnings, to take care of themselves during outdoor travel and near trees, temporary structures and exposed areas.
Northeast and other states may also receive heavy rain
The weather system is not expected to hit only the eastern coastal belt. The IMD has predicted heavy rainfall in several other parts of the country.
In the Northeast, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya and Sikkim could get heavy showers.
Other states where isolated heavy rainfall is possible include Jharkhand, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Vidarbha and West Bengal.
The forecast indicates that eastern India will be particularly wet over the coming days, with states like Jharkhand, Sikkim, Odisha and West Bengal going to continue to experience spells of rain.
Several states have already had heavy rainfall.
The latest forecast came as heavy rainfall was observed in parts of eastern India.
In the 24 hours ending on the morning of September 10, East Uttar Pradesh recorded heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places, according to the IMD.
Heavy rainfall was also reported in Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand and Bihar.
The continuing wet spell has raised the possibility of waterlogging and localised disruption in areas that receive intense rainfall within a short period.
Bay of Bengal system driving rainfall activity
The low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal is the key weather system behind the current rainfall activity. Its associated cyclonic circulation is extending through the lower and middle levels of the atmosphere, influencing moisture flow towards eastern and central India.
The weather conditions can change rapidly as such systems move or intensify. The IMD will continue to monitor the system closely and update forecasts and warnings as required on a case-by-case basis.
People in areas with heavy-rain and thunderstorm warnings must heed local weather alerts and take necessary precautions. Commuters should also be alert to sudden waterlogging and short-term disruptions in the event of waterlogging, low visibility, and temporary disruptions during intense showers.
With the Bay of Bengal system still influencing weather patterns, eastern and central India will be the focus of weather authorities in the coming few days.
