A shifting weather pattern is unfolding across Odisha as the Southwest Monsoon continues its seasonal withdrawal across eastern India.
Driven by an upper-air cyclonic circulation over southern Jharkhand and a trough line stretching from Haryana to the North Bay of Bengal, the region is bracing for severe atmospheric instability marked by thunderstorms, high winds, and fluctuating temperatures.
Rising Temperatures and Initial Rainfall Observations
In recent days, maximum daytime temperatures have surged across Odisha, climbing 3°C to 4°C above normal in several coastal areas and 2°C to 3°C above normal in interior regions. Chandbali recorded the state’s highest temperature at 36.7°C, while Bhubaneswar logged a high of 35.4°C with morning relative humidity touching 90%. Conversely, night temperatures have remained largely unchanged, dropping up to 2°C below normal in select coastal pockets.
Precipitation over the past 24 hours remained localised, with light to moderate showers hitting isolated areas in northern and central districts. Sundargarh recorded the highest rainfall at 5 cm, followed by Kamakhyanagar, Altuma, and Korei at 3 cm each.
3-Day Forecast: Yellow Warnings for Severe Thunderstorms
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Regional Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar have issued Yellow Warnings across multiple districts over the next three days, cautioning against heavy lightning and gusty winds:
| Date / Period | Affected Districts | Weather Alert & Wind Speeds |
| Day 1 (Up to 08:30 IST, Oct 08) | Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Sambalpur | Yellow Warning: Severe lightning & gusty winds (40–50 kmph) |
| Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Deogarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj | Yellow Warning: Lightning & gusty winds (30–40 kmph) | |
| Day 2 (Oct 08 – Oct 09) | 12 Interior & Western Districts (Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Balangir, etc.) | Yellow Warning: Widespread lightning & gusty winds (40–50 kmph) |
| Coastal Districts (Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Baleshwar) | Yellow Warning: Lightning & gusty winds (30–40 kmph) | |
| Day 3 (Oct 09 – Oct 10) | 9 districts, including Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Cuttack, and Puri | Yellow Warning: Thunderstorms & gusty winds (30–40 kmph) |
From Day 4 onwards, active warnings are expected to subside to NIL, though light, localized rainfall will persist in southern and coastal areas. Daytime temperatures are projected to drop by 2°C to 3°C over the coming three days before stabilising.
Low-Pressure System Building in the Bay of Bengal
Adding to the atmospheric activity, renowned agricultural and meteorological expert Dr Surendranath Pashupalak noted that a low-pressure system is expected to form during the third week of the month over the North Andaman Sea and the adjoining Bay of Bengal near the Myanmar coast.
Global forecasts—including models from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)—indicate a well-organised system that could bring light-to-moderate and heavy localised rainfall to coastal and southern Odisha. Experts emphasise that clarity on whether this system intensifies into a cyclone will emerge after October 15, once its trajectory and structure stabilise.
Safety Advisories for Farmers, Fishermen, and the Public
Due to anticipated wind squalls, lightning strikes, and heavy localised downpours, authorities have issued several safety advisories:
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Agricultural Protection: Farmers are urged to implement proper drainage channels in standing rice and vegetable fields to avoid waterlogging and crop damage.
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Fishermen Warning: Fishermen venturing into the deep sea are advised to exercise extreme caution due to hazardous sea conditions and rising wind speeds.
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Public Lightning Safety: Residents should stay indoors during thunderstorm alerts, avoid standing beneath tall trees or near metal structures, unplug electrical equipment, and step out of open water bodies immediately.
