The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Bhubaneswar has warned of intensified rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds across Odisha in the coming days due to the influence of a sub-tropical westerly jet stream over eastern India.
Director Dr. Manorama Mohanty informed that light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning has already been observed in many parts of the state over the past 24 hours. Hail may also occur at isolated places.
Weather Outlook and Warnings
The weather is expected to remain cloudy with light showers and a gradual decrease in daytime temperatures until March 23. However, rainfall activity is set to increase significantly from March 20.
An Orange Warning has been issued for March 20 and 21 for heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds of 40-50 kmph.
- On March 20: Orange alert for Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Kendujhar, and Mayurbhanj districts.
- On March 21: Orange alert for Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj, and Balasore districts.
A Yellow Warning is in place for the next 48 hours for several southern and western districts, including Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Rayagada, and Gajapati, for thunderstorms and winds of 30-40 kmph.
Additional Yellow warnings apply to a wide range of districts on March 20 and 21 for rain and gusty winds.
The RMC has noted that rainfall will be more intense in northern and western Odisha, while it will be comparatively less in the southern regions.
Current Weather Conditions
The state is currently experiencing cloudy conditions. Daytime temperatures remain high in several cities, with nine towns recording temperatures above 35°C. Sonpur was the hottest at 36.6°C. Daringbadi recorded the highest rainfall of 29 mm in the last 24 hours. More than 20 places across the state received rainfall during this period.
Dr. Mohanty advised people to remain cautious during thunderstorms and strong winds, particularly in the districts under Orange alerts.
The trough line is bringing this spell of rain to the state, and the RMC predicts continued moist and unsettled weather for the week ahead.
