Odisha is gearing up for a spell of intense weather, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting Nor’Wester storms and humid conditions across the state over the next two days.
A cyclonic circulation currently active over the central-eastern Arabian Sea, near the coasts of North Karnataka and Goa, is expected to strengthen into a low-pressure area by Thursday morning. This system is likely to move northward and intensify into a depression, potentially bringing significant weather changes to the region.
The IMD has reported that a trough line, extending from Punjab to eastern Bangladesh, Haryana, northern Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Gangetic West Bengal, and Sikkim at 0.9 km above sea level, is interacting with the cyclonic circulation. This atmospheric setup is causing scattered Nor’Wester showers and cloudy skies across Odisha, providing slight relief from the ongoing heatwave.
On Wednesday, Sambalpur recorded the state’s highest daytime temperature at 41.2°C, followed by Boudh at 40.2°C. However, most other parts of the state saw temperatures below 40°C, thanks to the cloudy conditions.
For Thursday and Friday, the coastal districts of Odisha are expected to experience humid and sultry weather, accompanied by Nor’Wester rains. A yellow warning has been issued for these districts, signalling the need for preparedness.
According to Manorama Mohanty, Director of the Regional Meteorological Centre, the yellow warning for Nor’Wester storms will remain in effect across various districts until May 25.
Specific districts, including Mayurbhanj, Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, and Nabarangpur, are under a yellow warning for Thursday due to anticipated thunderstorms with lightning and winds reaching speeds of up to 40 kmph.
Similarly, coastal districts such as Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khordha, Nayagarh, Ganjam, and Gajapati are under a yellow warning for humid and sultry weather conditions, which could exacerbate discomfort.
The IMD has advised residents to stay cautious, particularly in areas prone to thunderstorms and lightning. Farmers and outdoor workers are urged to take precautions, and local authorities are preparing for potential disruptions due to the inclement weather.
As Odisha navigates this turbulent weather pattern, the slight dip in temperatures offers a temporary respite, but the state remains on alert for the impacts of the intensifying weather system.
