Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday forecast widespread thunderstorm activity accompanied by lightning, gusty winds, and hail across several districts of Odisha over the next five days, with Orange and Yellow warnings issued for multiple regions.
According to the Midday Weather Bulletin issued by the Meteorological Centre Bhubaneswar, a trough extending from southeast Rajasthan to north Chhattisgarh is influencing weather conditions over the state, triggering instability and convective activity.
Forecast & Warnings
Day 1 (till March 19 morning): Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds (30–40 kmph) likely in districts including Nuapada, Bolangir, Ganjam, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri under a Yellow warning.
Day 2 (March 19–20): Orange warning issued for Kalahandi and Nabarangpur districts for thunderstorms with lightning, hail, and winds up to 40–50 kmph. Several southern districts remain under Yellow alert.
Day 3 (March 20–21): Intensification expected, with Orange warning for Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, and Sambalpur districts, forecasting hailstorms and winds reaching 50–60 kmph.
Day 4 (March 21–22): Continued Orange alert for northern and coastal districts including Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore, and Bhadrak, with risk of hail and strong winds up to 60 kmph.
Day 5 onward: Thunderstorm activity likely to persist in coastal and northern districts, though intensity may reduce, with only Yellow warnings in place.
The IMD said there will be no significant change in maximum temperatures over the next two days, followed by a gradual fall of 2–3°C across Odisha in the subsequent five days.
For Bhubaneswar and adjoining areas, partly cloudy skies are expected over the next 24 hours, with temperatures likely to hover around 34°C (maximum) and 22°C (minimum).
Authorities have advised residents, particularly in interior and northern districts, to remain alert for lightning strikes, gusty winds, and possible hailstorms. Farmers have been cautioned to take necessary precautions to protect standing crops.
