Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms and lightning in several districts of Odisha under the influence of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal.
According to the Evening Weather Bulletin released by the Meteorological Centre Bhubaneswar, the low-pressure area over the southwest and adjoining central Bay of Bengal now lies over the central parts of the south Bay of Bengal as of Sunday afternoon. The associated cyclonic circulation extends up to 5.8 km above mean sea level. The system is likely to move northeastwards and weaken gradually over the next 24 hours.
Under its impact, light rain or thundershowers are very likely to occur at one or two places in Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Mayurbhanj, Gajapati, Ganjam, Khordha, Puri, Malkangiri, Koraput and Rayagada districts till 8:30 am on February 25. The rest of the state is expected to experience dry weather.
The IMD has issued a yellow warning for isolated thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty surface winds reaching speeds of 30–40 kmph in Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur and Mayurbhanj districts. Dense fog is also likely to occur at isolated pockets in Jagatsinghpur, Khordha and Puri districts, while shallow to moderate fog may form during early morning hours in several coastal and adjoining districts.
From February 25 onwards, dry weather is likely to prevail across Odisha for at least a week, with no major weather systems expected to affect the state. The outlook for the subsequent three days also indicates no large change in prevailing conditions.
The IMD has forecast a fall of 2–4 degrees Celsius in minimum (night) temperatures over the next three days, with no significant change thereafter.
For Bhubaneswar and its neighbourhood, the forecast for the next 24 hours indicates a partly cloudy sky with the possibility of rain or a thunderstorm. The maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to hover around 34°C and 19°C respectively. On Tuesday, the city recorded a maximum temperature of 32.6°C and a minimum of 22.4°C, with relative humidity ranging between 31 per cent and 91 per cent.
No weather warning has been issued for fishermen along the Odisha coast for the next five days.
Residents have been advised to remain alert during thunderstorm activity and follow updates issued by the IMD through its official platforms and mobile applications.
