Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms with lightning and gusty surface winds reaching speeds of 30-40 km/h, expected to affect Odisha until March 25.
In its mid-day weather bulletin, the IMD predicted light to moderate rain or thundershowers at a few places across the state, particularly in the districts of North Coastal Odisha, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Angul, Dhenkanal, and isolated pockets in South Coastal Odisha. Rain is also expected in the districts of Boudh, Sonepur, Kandhamal, Bolangir, Sambalpur, Sundargarh, Deogarh, and Nuapada.
On March 24, dry weather is likely to prevail in the remaining parts of Odisha, while thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds are predicted in Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Cuttack, Khurda, Puri, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Angul, and Dhenkanal.
Looking ahead to March 25, light rain is expected in parts of Coastal Odisha, while the rest of the state will remain dry. Another yellow warning has been issued for thunderstorms with lightning in districts such as Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Cuttack, and Jagatsinghpur.
In addition, the IMD has predicted a gradual rise in maximum daytime temperatures by 4-6°C over the next 4-5 days, with a slight increase in minimum nighttime temperatures by 2-3°C during the same period.
Residents are advised to stay updated on weather conditions and take necessary precautions during this period of uncertain weather.