Bay of Bengal low-pressure system brings heavy rain alerts to Odisha and Tamil Nadu

A well‑marked low‑pressure area over the north‑west Bay of Bengal intensified on July 3, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue red alerts for several districts in Odisha. Red warnings were issued for Balangir, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Ganjam and Baragarh (among others), with orange and yellow alerts covering additional districts. The system is expected to produce extremely heavy to very heavy rainfall, possible flash floods, waterlogging and rough sea conditions, leading authorities to advise fishermen to stay ashore and ports to display cautionary signals.

The same low‑pressure system is forecast to affect Tamil Nadu, with heavy rain expected in Coimbatore, the Nilgiris and Kanyakumari districts on July 4‑5. The IMD warned of localized flooding and waterlogging in low‑lying and hilly areas, while moderate rain is projected for north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal. Temperatures are likely to stay slightly below normal due to increased cloud cover. The department will continue monitoring the system and issuing updates.