Odisha is set for three days of squally winds, thunderstorms and widespread rainfall as a trough line stretching from south-east Rajasthan to north Chhattisgarh continues to influence the weather across central India.
The Regional Meteorological Centre has issued an Orange Alert for two districts and a Yellow Alert for five others, warning of gusty winds up to 50 kmph accompanied by lightning and rain.
IMD Regional Director Manorama Mohanty said the trough line, lying 0.9 km above mean sea level, is bringing light to moderate rain, thunder and lightning to Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and adjoining areas. In Odisha, there has been no significant change in daytime temperatures so far, but cloudy skies and rain will persist at least until March 24, providing welcome relief from the early-March heatwave.
In the past 24 hours, more than ten places recorded lightning and light showers. Nuapada, Daringbadi and Rourkela received over 10 mm of rainfall. Daytime temperatures remained below normal, with Talcher recording the state’s highest maximum of 36.5°C.
District-wise alerts for Thursday:
- Orange Warning (40-50 kmph gusts, thunder & rain): Kalahandi and Nabarangpur
- Yellow Warning (30-40 kmph gusts, thunder & rain): Kandhamal, Rayagada, Koraput, Gajapati and Malkangiri
Similar Orange and Yellow warnings will continue on Friday and Saturday in several districts, with winds touching 50 kmph in the most affected areas.
On Sunday (March 22), rainfall intensity is expected to decrease, though scattered thunderstorms may still trigger Yellow alerts. From March 23 onward, daytime temperatures are not likely to rise sharply.
The trough line has already lowered humidity and temperatures, giving the state a temporary break from the scorching heat seen earlier this month.
