Bhubaneswar: The first low pressure area (LoPAR) of the 2026 southwest monsoon season has triggered widespread rainfall across Odisha, prompting the India Meteorological Department to issue a Red Warning for Koraput district and Malkangiri district, where extremely heavy rainfall is expected over the next two days.
According to the IMD, the weather system remains active over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Odisha–West Bengal coast, continuing to draw abundant moisture into the state and intensify rainfall.
Among major stations, Hirakud recorded the highest rainfall at 84.2 mm during the 24-hour period ending at 8:30 a.m., followed by 79.2 mm in Malkangiri. Other significant rainfall totals included 73.2 mm in Jharsuguda, 67.4 mm in Cuttack, 65.8 mm in Subarnapur district (Sonepur), 62.3 mm in Bargarh district, 49.3 mm in Keonjhar district, 43 mm in Deogarh district, 42.2 mm in Kandhamal district (Phulbani), and 41 mm in Boudh district. At the local level, Ambabhona in Bargarh district received an exceptional 180 mm of rainfall.
During the day, Dhenkanal recorded 46 mm of rain, while Bhubaneswar received 28.9 mm between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
The continuous rainfall over the past 36 hours has caused waterlogging in several low-lying areas across the state. Flooded roads disrupted movement near the government bus stand in Bargarh, while parts of Bhubaneswar, including Baibhab Nagar in Ward No. 4, also experienced inundation.
Strong winds accompanying the rain uprooted trees in several districts, including Boudh and Bhubaneswar, leading to localized disruptions. Weather officials have advised residents, particularly in southern Odisha, to remain alert as the low pressure area is expected to continue influencing weather conditions over the coming days.
