As the southwest monsoon gradually retreats across Northern and Central India, dual atmospheric trough systems hovering over the region are set to bring a fresh spell of unstable weather to Odisha.
The Regional Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar has issued a yellow warning for several districts, forecasting thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30 to 40 km/h until the morning of October 9.
While the primary monsoon withdrawal line currently passes through Supaul (Bihar), Ranchi (Jharkhand), Raipur (Chhattisgarh), and parts of Maharashtra, atmospheric conditions over Eastern India remain highly dynamic.
According to Dr. Rajasree VPM, a scientist at the Regional Meteorological Centre, two distinct atmospheric trough lines are currently active:
- Primary Trough: Extends from Gangetic West Bengal, passing through Jharkhand, interior Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Vidarbha, and Marathwada before reaching Madhya Maharashtra.
- Secondary Trough: Runs from north-central Bihar through Jharkhand and Gangetic West Bengal down to northern Odisha.
“Under the combined influence of these two trough lines, several parts of the state will experience squalls and heavy downpours until October 9 morning,” noted Dr. Rajasree VPM. She added that districts in northern and interior Odisha face an elevated risk of severe lightning strikes.
Meteorologists explain that high atmospheric moisture levels coupled with localized heating during the monsoon withdrawal phase often generate sudden afternoon or evening convective storms similar to Nor’westers (Kalbaishakhi).
District-Specific Alerts
For Tuesday, specific lightning and thunderstorm warnings have been highlighted for:
- Northern & Interior Districts: Sundaragada, Jharsuguda, Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj
- Southern & Western Belts: Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri
Overall weather across the state is projected to remain mostly cloudy with light to moderate rainfall, bringing a noticeable dip in daytime temperatures over the coming days. The Meteorological Department has advised the public to monitor local updates and seek safe indoor shelter immediately during thunderstorm and lightning activity.
