Bhubaneswar: A well-marked low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal intensified on Friday, triggering widespread rainfall across Odisha, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a red warning for five districts due to the likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall.

According to the IMD, the low-pressure area has become well-marked over the northwest Bay of Bengal and its adjoining region. The associated cyclonic circulation extends up to 9.4 km above mean sea level, indicating favourable conditions for widespread rain across the state.

The weather office has issued a Red Warning for Balangir, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Ganjam and Baragarh districts, forecasting isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall with isolated extremely heavy showers.

An Orange Warning has been issued for Kataka (Cuttack), Khordha including Bhubaneswar, and all coastal districts, where heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places.

Meanwhile, a Yellow Warning has been sounded for Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Khordha, Puri, Deogarh, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Nuapada, Balangir and Baragarh districts, with the IMD predicting thunderstorms, lightning and heavy rainfall at isolated locations.

The weather system is expected to keep most parts of Odisha under the influence of widespread rain over the next few days, raising concerns over waterlogging in low-lying areas and possible disruptions to normal life.

In view of the rough sea conditions, the IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea along and off the Odisha coast from July 3 to July 7.

The Meteorological Department has also advised port authorities to hoist Local Cautionary Signal No. III (LC-3) at Paradip and Dhamra ports as a precaution against adverse weather conditions.

Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert, follow official weather advisories and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall.