The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a thunderstorm and lightning alert for multiple districts across Odisha, effective until May 23, as the state braces for an extended spell of unstable weather conditions.
According to the IMD advisory, moderate rain, lightning, and gusty winds are expected in several parts of the state. A yellow warning has been sounded for 15 districts today, including Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Gajapati, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Balangir, and Nuapada.
The department has extended the yellow alert to nine districts on May 20 and sixteen districts on May 21, citing continued risk of lightning and thunderstorms under the influence of seasonal Kalbaisakhi (Nor’wester) activity.
The IMD also cautioned that wind speeds may reach 40–50 kmph in affected areas during the forecast period.
Previously, an orange alert was issued for Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Koraput, Rayagada, and Malkangiri, predicting isolated heavy rainfall with wind gusts up to 60 kmph. Eight additional districts had been placed under yellow alert due to storm-related risks.
Despite the incoming showers, daytime temperatures are expected to remain steady, offering no significant relief from the oppressive humidity plaguing coastal districts like Bhubaneswar, Puri, Ganjam, Gajapati, Nayagarh, Khordha, Cuttack, and Jagatsinghpur.
Residents are advised to take precautions, especially during lightning hours, and avoid sheltering under trees or open areas during thunderstorms. The IMD continues to monitor the situation closely and will issue timely updates as necessary.
