Odisha Braces for Unsettled Weather: Cyclonic Circulation, Heavy Rains, and Thunderstorm Warnings
As of October 10, 2025, Odisha is experiencing a spell of unsettled weather, primarily influenced by an anticipated cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds across several districts, urging residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions. This weather pattern also points to a delayed withdrawal of the southwest monsoon from the state.
Cyclonic Circulation and Rainfall Forecast
A new cyclonic circulation is expected to form over the northern Bay of Bengal around October 10. While initially, the system is not anticipated to intensify significantly, it is set to bring widespread light to moderate rainfall across Odisha between October 10 and 11. The Regional Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar is closely monitoring its development.
Specific districts are under a “Yellow Warning” (Be Aware) for various weather phenomena:
- October 9-10: Isolated heavy rainfall (7-11 cm) is predicted for districts like Balasore, Bhadrak, and Kendrapara. Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds (30-40 kmph) are expected in a wider zone covering coastal and northern interior districts. This includes areas such as Jajpur, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Ganjam, Gajapati, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Koraput, Malkangiri, Kandhamal, and Boudh. Bhubaneswar itself recorded up to 50.1 mm of heavy rainfall on Wednesday.
- October 10-11: The focus of heavy rain is expected to shift slightly southwards, with a Yellow Warning for isolated heavy falls in Ganjam and Gajapati districts. Other districts across northern, western, and southern Odisha will continue to experience thunderstorms with lightning and winds of 30-40 kmph.
- October 11-12: Southern districts including Gajapati, Rayagada, and Koraput are expected to receive isolated heavy rainfall under a Yellow Warning.
- October 12-13: The intensity of rainfall is expected to decrease, with only light to moderate rain anticipated in coastal and southern regions.
Delayed Monsoon Withdrawal and Safety Advisory
The southwest monsoon’s withdrawal from Odisha, which was initially expected around October 15, is now likely to be delayed due to the prevailing weather conditions. Favourable changes in wind patterns for its gradual retreat from western Odisha are anticipated only after October 17.
Since October 1, Odisha has already received 86.3 mm of rainfall, which is above the seasonal average, indicating the active nature of these cyclonic systems.
The IMD has issued a strong advisory for the public to “be aware” of the changing weather conditions. Residents are urged to avoid sheltering under trees or near water bodies during lightning, and to move indoors immediately if thunder is heard. Farmers have also been advised to consider the weather conditions for their agricultural activities. Fortunately, no warnings are currently in effect for fishermen along the Odisha coast for the next five days, suggesting favourable sea conditions in the immediate offshore areas.
Bhubaneswar and its neighbourhood can expect a partly cloudy sky with the possibility of rain or thunderstorms, with maximum temperatures around 33°C and minimums around 25°C.
As Odisha navigates this period of active weather, staying informed through official meteorological updates and adhering to safety guidelines will be crucial for public safety and preparedness.