Heavy Rain Likely in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Other States

New Delhi: The Meteorological Department had forecast heavy rain accompanied by strong winds or thunderstorms across 19 states today, September 21, while predicting torrential rain for southern Odisha and north coastal Andhra Pradesh starting September 22.

Predicting extremely heavy rainfall in isolated areas of the eastern coastal states, the Meteorological Department stated that a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal has become well-marked and intensified; it is expected to gain further strength and intensity in two phases, potentially transforming into a deep depression within the next day or two.

Satellite imagery reveals dense cloud cover over all of West Bengal and coastal Odisha, while another cluster of clouds is hovering over northern Andhra Pradesh. There is significant atmospheric activity over the Bay of Bengal, and rain-bearing clouds could bring intense precipitation to the adjacent land areas.

It is noteworthy that paddy is cultivated on a large scale in West Bengal, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. The upcoming rainfall is expected to provide significant relief to the next crop cycle. However, extremely heavy downpours and subsequent waterlogging in fields could damage other Kharif crops.

Although the Meteorological Department has officially announced the withdrawal of the Southwest Monsoon from northwest India, the pace of its retreat is quite slow. Southern states have not received adequate rainfall for a prolonged period, and there is an urgent need for heavy rain in states like Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.