The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall or thundershower activity at isolated places across Odisha over the next 24 hours, with conditions expected to intensify from Friday. The weather office issued an orange warning for thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty surface winds reaching speeds of 50-60 kmph in 12 districts.
Orange and Yellow Warnings Issued
According to the IMD bulletin, an orange alert has been sounded for several districts due to the likelihood of severe thunderstorms. Additionally, a yellow warning has been issued for districts including Cuttack, Khurda, Puri, Angul, Dhenkanal, Sambalpur, Bargarh, and Jharsuguda, where thunderstorms with lightning and wind speeds of 40-50 kmph are expected.
Pre-Monsoon Activity and Temperature Moderation
The IMD stated that an upper-air cyclonic circulation is likely to form over the north and adjoining central Bay of Bengal next week, which could create favorable conditions for the further advancement of the southwest monsoon over Odisha and adjoining regions. This system may lead to more widespread rainfall, gradually moderating daytime temperatures.
Despite the onset of pre-monsoon showers, heatwave conditions are predicted in isolated pockets of Sambalpur district. Hot and humid weather is expected to persist in several coastal and southern districts.
Temperature Records and Bhubaneswar Forecast
On Thursday, Boudh recorded the highest maximum temperature in the state at 42.8 degrees Celsius, followed by Sambalpur at 40 degrees Celsius. The capital city Bhubaneswar registered a maximum temperature of 38.9 degrees Celsius and received 3.4 mm of rainfall between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm, providing some relief. The forecast for Bhubaneswar indicates a partly cloudy sky with a possibility of rain or thunderstorms in the next 24 hours, with maximum and minimum temperatures likely around 39 and 27 degrees Celsius, respectively.
Advisory for Fishermen
The IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea from June 18 to 22 due to expected squally weather. Wind speeds are likely to reach 40-50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph, and sea conditions are expected to remain rough to very rough, posing risks to marine activities.
