Odisha Faces Thunderstorm Threat as IMD Issues Weather Alerts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has activated weather warnings for Odisha, with a yellow alert for thunderstorms issued on Thursday and an orange warning in effect until Friday. This comes as multiple regions across the state, including the capital Bhubaneswar, reported light to moderate rainfall and thunderstorm activity over the past 24 hours.
Rainfall and Temperature Patterns Across the State
Bhubaneswar experienced a light rainfall of 3.8 mm alongside thunderstorms during the afternoon, despite daytime temperatures reaching 37 degrees Celsius. In the last day, Dhamnagar in Bhadrak district recorded the highest precipitation at 83 mm. Meanwhile, Jharsuguda registered the state's peak maximum temperature at 38.8 degrees Celsius, followed closely by Hirakud at 38.6°C and Titlagarh at 38.5°C.
Detailed Forecast and District-Specific Warnings
Manorama Mohanty, head of the regional IMD centre in Bhubaneswar, stated that Odisha is highly likely to witness thunderstorm activities, accompanied by lightning and gusty surface winds, in several districts until April 1. An IMD bulletin specifically forecasted thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds in seven districts on Friday:
- Mayurbhanj
- Keonjhar
- Balasore
- Bhadrak
- Jajpur
- Kendrapada
- Sundergarh
Temperature Outlook for the Coming Days
Mohanty added that there will be no significant change in the prevailing daytime temperature trend for the next two days. However, after this period, temperatures are expected to drop by two to three degrees Celsius, providing some relief from the current heat.
The IMD's alerts highlight the ongoing weather volatility in Odisha, urging residents in affected districts to stay cautious of thunderstorm conditions and associated risks like lightning and strong winds.
