Bhubaneswar: Odisha experienced a brief relief from grueling heatwave conditions thanks to Nor’wester rain accompanied by thunderstorm and lightning.
As predicted by the India Meteorological Department, Nor’wester rain lashed at many parts of Bhubaneswar, Puri, Nayagarh and Ganjam where people have been reeling under scorching heatwave conditions.
After a hot and humid day, residents of Bhubaneswar, Puri, Nayagarh and Ganjam heaved a sigh of relief when it was hit by rain accompanied by gusty wind during noon.
According to sources, electricity supply at Bhanjanagar in Ganjam district was disrupted following the Nor’wester rain accompanied with thunderstorm and lightning. As many as 22 goats were killed due to lightning strikes at Ratnapur village under Sorada police limits in Ganjam district.
The thunder squall uprooted trees and snapped power supply at many places in the state capital disrupting the traffic service.
Rajbhawan Square, Khandagiri Square, Kolthia, OUAT Square, Rajmahal Square, Dhauli and Jagamara experienced traffic jam following the downpour accompanied by thunderstorm and lightning. Firefighting teams took hours to clear the uprooted trees from the roads following which traffic flow became normal.
Though shower under the influence of Kalabaisakhi brought down temperature in coastal Odisha, Western Odisha continued to sizzle since there was no escape from the blistering heatwave.
Yes, not all parts of Odisha experienced the rain and the consequent drop in the mercury level.
In western Odisha, the misery continued with the heatwave showing no signs of letup. Bolangir remained the hottest place as day temperature was 44.5 degree Celsius. As many as 19 places recorded above 40 degree Celsius temperature today.
According to the latest forecast from the regional centre of IMD, thunderstorms and rain is likely to offer some relief from the prevailing heatwave conditions for the next four days. Thunderstorms and rain are likely to lash Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Kandhamal, Ganjam and Gajapati districts due to the effect of Kalabaisakhi.
The weather department also predicted that Odisha may witness thunderstorms, lightning and hailstorms on Tuesday due to an approaching western disturbance.
