The India Meteorological Department has predicted widespread rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds across Odisha over the next several days due to an upper air cyclonic circulation active over interior Odisha and adjoining Chhattisgarh.
According to the IMD, the weather system is likely to bring light to moderate rainfall across many districts, along with isolated heavy showers and possible hailstorms in some regions.
Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious as unstable weather conditions may lead to localised disruptions, lightning strikes, and temporary damage in vulnerable areas.
Yellow Warning Issued for Multiple Districts
The IMD has issued Yellow Warnings for several districts, cautioning people about thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty surface winds.
Wind speeds are expected to range between 30 kmph and 50 kmph in different districts, particularly during afternoon and evening hours.
Districts likely to experience stronger winds of up to 40–50 kmph include:
- Mayurbhanj
- Keonjhar
- Sundargarh
- Kalahandi
- Kandhamal
- Balasore
- Bhadrak
- Ganjam
- Gajapati
Several coastal, northern, western, and southern districts are also expected to witness thunderstorms with winds of 30–40 kmph.
Rainfall Likely to Continue for a Week
The IMD forecast indicates that thunderstorm activity may continue across parts of Odisha until at least May 14.
Districts including Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Khurda, Puri, Koraput, Malkangiri, and Rayagada are likely to receive intermittent rain and thunderstorm activity during the forecast period.
Dry weather may continue in some remaining districts on certain days, but overall atmospheric conditions are expected to remain unstable statewide.
Possibility of Lightning and Isolated Hailstorms
The weather department has also warned about possible lightning strikes and isolated hailstorms in some interior districts.
Residents have been advised to:
- Avoid taking shelter under trees during thunderstorms
- Stay indoors during lightning activity
- Secure loose outdoor objects
- Follow local weather advisories issued by district administrations
Farmers and transport operators have also been asked to remain alert due to the possibility of sudden weather changes and gusty winds.
Relief From Heatwave Conditions
The rainfall and thunderstorm activity are expected to provide temporary relief from the recent heat and humid weather conditions experienced across Odisha.
Several districts had earlier witnessed high daytime temperatures and severe humidity, prompting heatwave-related concerns.
Meteorologists believe the current cyclonic circulation may help reduce temperatures in many parts of the state over the coming days.
