Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday issued an Orange Warning for thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty surface winds reaching 50-60 kmph in nine districts of Odisha, while forecasting light to moderate rain and thunderstorm activity across parts of the state over the next several days.
According to the Midday Weather Bulletin issued by the Meteorological Centre, Bhubaneswar, the Orange Warning for Wednesday morning applies to Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Kalahandi and Nabarangpur districts. Residents have been advised to remain prepared and take necessary precautions against adverse weather conditions.
A Yellow Warning has also been issued for several other districts, including Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Angul, Dhenkanal, Boudh, Kandhamal, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Khurda and Nayagarh, where thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph are likely during afternoon and evening hours.
The IMD forecast said light to moderate rain or thundershowers are likely at a few places in Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur and Cuttack districts during the next 24 hours, while isolated rainfall activity is expected over the rest of the state.
The weather agency has also warned of hot and humid conditions at isolated places in several coastal and adjoining districts, including Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Boudh, Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Khurda and Nayagarh.
For June 3 and 4, thunderstorm activity is expected to continue over northern, coastal and southern districts, with Orange Warnings remaining in force for Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj and Nabarangpur on June 3. From June 5 onwards, rainfall coverage is likely to increase, with light to moderate rain or thunderstorms forecast at a few places across most districts. By June 6-7, rain and thunderstorm activity is likely over all districts of Odisha.
The IMD stated that conditions are becoming favourable for further advance of the southwest monsoon into additional parts of the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, Kerala and Tamil Nadu around June 4, although the monsoon has not yet advanced over Odisha.
The department warned that strong winds may cause damage to standing crops, banana plantations, power and communication lines, kutcha houses and unsecured structures in districts under the Orange Warning. People have been advised to stay indoors during thunderstorms, avoid taking shelter under trees, disconnect electrical appliances and move away from water bodies during lightning activity.
The IMD has forecast a gradual rise of 2-3 degrees Celsius in day temperatures across Odisha during the next four days.
