After weeks of intense heat, Odisha finally received a much-needed breather as widespread rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms brought down daytime temperatures across the state.
While only two locations crossed the 40°C mark on Thursday, the Regional Meteorological Centre has forecast a further 2–3°C drop in maximum temperatures over the next few days.
The southwest monsoon, which touched Odisha on June 12, is steadily advancing, with more districts expected to come under its influence in the coming week.
On Thursday, Boudh recorded the highest maximum temperature of 42.8°C, followed by Sambalpur at exactly 40°C. Most other parts of the state saw a noticeable dip in mercury levels.
In the past 24 hours, as many as 11 places received significant rainfall along with thunder and lightning. Daringbadi in Kandhamal district topped the list with a heavy 58 mm of rain.
The weather department has issued a week-long alert for Kalbaisakhi (pre-monsoon thunderstorms) activity across the state.
Orange Alert for Friday
Several coastal and northern districts have been placed under Orange Warning for heavy rainfall accompanied by gusty winds reaching 50–60 kmph. These districts include: Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Sundargarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Puri, Khordha, and Nayagarh.Yellow Warnings
- Kalbaisakhi activity: Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Sonepur, Boudh, Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Koraput, Gajapati, and Ganjam.
- Humid & Muggy Conditions: Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Khordha, and Nayagarh.
The Regional Meteorological Centre Director, Manorama Mohanty, stated that humid conditions will persist for the next two days before temperatures begin to fall by 2–3°C. A broader spell of heavy rainfall is likely from June 24 onwards as the monsoon gains momentum.
Residents are advised to stay alert, especially in districts under Orange Warning, as strong winds and lightning pose risks to life and property. Farmers, however, have welcomed the early rains, hoping for a good start to the Kharif season.
