Odisha faces a dual weather challenge as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued warnings for thunderstorms and heatwaves across multiple districts.
For the next six days, the state will witness scorching daytime heat followed by intense evening storms.
On Tuesday, IMD placed 22 districts under thunderstorm alerts and 16 districts under heatwave warnings. Four districts—Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Balasore, and Bhadrak—received an orange warning for severe thunderstorms with wind speeds expected between 50 and 60 kmph.
Jharsuguda continued to break records, recording 45°C and emerging as the hottest city in the state. Eleven towns crossed the 40°C mark, intensifying the heatwave. Despite the extreme heat, afternoon thunderstorms brought temporary relief in several regions.
Residents reported strong winds, heavy rain, and lightning strikes associated with the Kalbaisakhi storms. The IMD cautioned people to remain alert and avoid exposure during peak hours of both heat and storm activity.
Authorities confirmed that the combination of high temperatures and violent storms will persist for nearly a week. Officials urged citizens to take precautions against heat-related illnesses and storm hazards.
