Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday issued a series of yellow warnings across Odisha, cautioning residents about a spell of hot and humid weather along with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds expected to affect several districts over the coming days.
According to the midday weather bulletin issued by the Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar at 1400 hrs IST, hot and humid conditions are very likely to prevail at isolated places in coastal districts such as Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur, while thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty surface winds reaching 30–40 kmph are expected across many interior and southern districts beginning Friday.
The warning assumes greater significance as thunderstorm activity is forecast to intensify gradually. Between April 5 and 7, wind speeds could increase further, touching 40–50 kmph in isolated pockets, particularly over districts like Koraput, Malkangiri, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj and Sundargarh, indicating the likelihood of stronger convective activity across the state.
The IMD has indicated that rainfall activity will remain localized and scattered in the initial phase, with light to moderate rain or thundershowers likely at one or two places, mainly over southern and interior Odisha. However, as the system evolves, rainfall coverage is expected to expand to more districts by April 6–7, bringing a wider spell of thunderstorms and lightning across the state.
Weather observations show a mixed temperature pattern across Odisha, with several districts witnessing a sharp rise in daytime temperatures by as much as 4–11°C, pointing to intensifying heat conditions. Titilagarh recorded the day’s highest maximum temperature at 39.5°C, while Phulbani reported the lowest minimum temperature at 18.5°C. Night temperatures, particularly over interior regions, have also risen by 2–3°C and are trending above normal at a few places, contributing to discomfort due to combined heat and humidity.
Despite the ongoing fluctuations, the IMD has forecast no major change in maximum temperatures over the next three days, followed by a gradual fall of 2–4°C thereafter, which may bring some relief.
For Bhubaneswar and its adjoining areas, the forecast indicates a partly cloudy sky with the possibility of rain or thunderstorms over the next 24 hours, with temperatures likely to hover around 38°C during the day and 24°C at night.
The IMD clarified that no significant synoptic system is currently influencing the region, suggesting that the prevailing weather conditions are largely being driven by localised heating and moisture build-up, a typical feature during this time of the year.
In view of the forecast, residents have been advised to remain cautious, particularly during afternoon and evening hours when thunderstorm activity is most likely, while also taking precautions against heat stress amid the prevailing hot and humid conditions.
