Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a week of unsettled weather across Odisha, with light to moderate rain, thundershowers, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds expected in various districts.
Issued on Saturday, the seven-day forecast includes Orange and Yellow warnings for severe weather, urging residents and authorities to prepare for potential disruptions.
An Orange Warning has been issued for Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Gajapati, Malkangiri, Koraput, and Rayagada on May 3, where thunderstorms with lightning, gusty winds of 50-60 kmph, hailstorms, and heavy rainfall are likely in the afternoon or evening. A Yellow Warning applies to districts such as Angul, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Bhadrak, and others, with thunderstorms and winds of 30-50 kmph expected at isolated places. Light to moderate rain or thundershowers are forecast across many districts.
On May 4, the Orange Warning continues for Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, Gajapati, and Ganjam, predicting heavy rainfall and winds up to 50-60 kmph. A Yellow Warning covers Angul, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Kendrapara, and other districts, with thunderstorms and winds ranging from 30-60 kmph. Widespread rain or thundershowers are expected across Odisha.
On May 5, light to moderate rain is likely at a few places in Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, Keonjhar, Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, and Ganjam, with a Yellow Warning for thunderstorms and winds of 30-50 kmph in these and other districts like Dhenkanal and Cuttack. Dry weather is expected in the remaining areas.
On May 6, Coastal Odisha, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Kandhamal, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri may see rain at a few places, with a Yellow Warning for thunderstorms and winds of 30-50 kmph in Balasore, Bhadrak, Puri, and others. Dry weather will prevail elsewhere.
From May 7 to 9, rainfall will gradually subside, with light to moderate rain or thundershowers expected at isolated places in districts like Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Malkangiri, Koraput, and coastal Odisha. By May 9, dry weather is likely to dominate most districts.
The IMD predicts no significant change in maximum temperatures for the next 4-5 days, followed by a rise of 2-3°C across Odisha.
Residents are advised to stay updated on weather conditions and seek safe shelter during thunderstorms to avoid lightning strikes. Urban areas may face traffic disruptions, and commuters should follow advisories. Farmers are urged to regulate crop harvesting and use hail nets to protect vegetables and crops from potential hail damage.
With severe weather expected, particularly in districts under Orange Warnings, Odisha is gearing up to mitigate risks and ensure public safety.
