The sweltering summer heat in Odisha has slightly subsided with the arrival of Nor’wester storms, offering momentary relief. However, high humidity levels persist, making conditions uncomfortable across the state.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a five-day Yellow Warning for thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds across 13 districts.
On May 21, districts including Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Deogarh, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Bargarh, Kalahandi, Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri are expected to experience thunderstorms with lightning and wind speeds of 30–40 kmph. Residents are advised to remain indoors during storm activity and take necessary precautions.
- Day 1 (May 21-22): Thunderstorms likely in the 13 districts listed above. Hot and humid conditions are expected in parts of Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khordha, Nayagarh, along with Ganjam and Gajapati.
- Day 2 (May 22-23): Thunderstorms with stronger winds (40–50 kmph) likely in Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, and parts of western and northern Odisha.
- Day 3 (May 23-24): Similar weather expected in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri.
- Day 4 (May 24-25): Yellow Warning extended to include Nabarangapur along with earlier districts.
While the Nor’wester activity has temporarily eased temperatures, the IMD does not foresee any major shift in the overall weather pattern until May 25.
