The threat of a full-blown cyclone has eased in Odisha as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed that the low-pressure area forming over the southwest Bay of Bengal will not intensify into a cyclonic storm affecting the state.
Instead, the system is expected to trigger widespread pre-monsoon activity, including thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds — typical of **Kalbaisakhi** — across most districts over the next five days.
According to the Bhubaneswar Regional Weather Centre, no specific weather system is currently dominating the state, leading to a pattern of clear, hot mornings followed by evening Kalbaisakhi showers. This mixed weather is likely to continue, with the low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal and near the Sri Lanka coast intensifying into a depression within the next 48 hours.
While the system’s direct impact on Odisha will be limited, it is forecast to increase rainfall and wind activity, particularly along the coast and in southern districts. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and squally winds are expected in many areas.
Dr. Rajashree V.P.M., scientist at the regional centre, clarified that there is no major cyclone risk at present. However, she warned that temperatures could rise by 2 degrees Celsius in the coming days.
In the last 24 hours, Titlagarh recorded the highest maximum temperature of 39°C. Kalbaisakhi activity brought thunderstorms and winds gusting at 30-40 kmph in districts like Jajpur, Daringbadi, and Keonjhar. Dhenkanal district received the highest rainfall of 132 mm in the past day, while most other districts also experienced some rain.
A **Yellow Warning** has been issued for Tuesday in 17 districts — Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khordha, Nayagarh, Ganjam, Gajapati, Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri — for thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph at one or two places.
The alert for Kalbaisakhi rains and squally winds remains valid till May 15. Residents, especially in coastal and southern regions, are advised to stay cautious of lightning and strong winds during the evening hours.
