Bhubaneswar: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday issued yellow and orange warnings for thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, hail, and gusty winds in several districts of Odisha. These weather events are expected to continue until March 20, 2026, with wind speeds reaching up to 50–60 kmph in some areas.
According to the IMD’s mid-day bulletin, a yellow warning has been issued for isolated thunderstorms with lightning and gusty surface winds (30–40 kmph) in the districts of Sundergarh, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, and Balasore on March 16. Light to moderate rain or thunderstorms are likely at one or two places in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore, Bhadrak, Sundergarh, Sambalpur, Ganjam, Gajapati, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, Khurda, Nayagarh, and Cuttack, while dry weather is expected in the remaining districts.
On March 17, an orange warning has been issued for thunderstorms with lightning, hail, and gusty winds (50–60 kmph) in Mayurbhanj, while a yellow warning applies to Sundergarh, Keonjhar, Balasore, and Bhadrak (40–50 kmph). Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds (30–40 kmph) are also likely at one or two places in Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Ganjam, and Gajapati.
Between March 18 and 20, yellow warnings remain in force for isolated thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds (30–40 kmph) in Mayurbhanj, Sundergarh, Keonjhar, Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Balasore, Gajapati, Cuttack, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, and Bhadrak.
The IMD has urged residents to exercise caution, avoid outdoor activities during storms, and secure loose objects to minimise damage. Fishermen along the coast have also been advised to remain cautious due to strong winds.
