After days of oppressive heat and humidity that left people gasping for relief, the active southwest monsoon has finally arrived in Odisha — bringing much-needed cool showers along with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds across the state for the next five days.
Dark clouds dominated the skies over Bhubaneswar and other coastal areas on Friday, delivering thunderstorm rain, lightning, and light to moderate showers that offered instant respite from the summer scorch. The entire state is now under a blanket of clouds, marking a dramatic turnaround from the recent sweltering conditions.
Weather Alerts in Force
The Regional Meteorological Centre has issued widespread warnings:
- Orange Alert (Thunderstorm with lightning and gusty winds at one or two places): Balasore, Bhadrak, Sundargarh, Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, and Gajapati districts.
- Yellow Alert (Thunderstorm rain): Jajpur, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Debagarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Sonepur, Boudh, Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nabarangpur, Ganjam, Puri, Khordha, and Nayagarh districts.
- Special Caution for Heavy Rainfall: Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj, and Bhadrak districts.
Friday’s rain in Khordha, Cuttack, Bhadrak, Jagatsinghpur, and Jajpur districts already brought temperatures down noticeably.
Temperature Highlights (Past 24 Hours)
- Highest: Boudh town at 41.3°C
- Other highs: Titilagarh (38.7°C), Sonepur (38.6°C), Bargarh (38.2°C), Sambalpur & Nuapada (38°C), Balangir (37.5°C), Jharsuguda (37.2°C), Hirakud, Baripada & Koraput (37°C)
- Lowest: Debagarh at 28.2°C
Authorities have advised residents to stay indoors during thunderstorms, avoid open fields and tall trees, and remain alert for strong winds that could damage loose structures and uproot trees.
With the monsoon now active, more widespread and intense rainfall is expected in the coming days.
