Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a series of orange and yellow warnings for thunderstorms, lightning, hail, and gusty winds across Odisha over the next five days, cautioning residents to remain alert as weather activity is expected to intensify in phases.
The IMD’s midday bulletin indicates that while yellow warnings (be aware) will remain in force across several districts from March 17 onward, conditions are expected to escalate to orange warnings (be prepared) in parts of northern and western Odisha between March 20 and March 22.
Under the orange alert, districts such as Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, and Sambalpur are likely to experience thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, hail, and gusty winds reaching 50–60 kmph at isolated places.
Neighbouring districts will remain under yellow warning for thunderstorms and strong winds ranging between 30–50 kmph during this period.
March 17–18: Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds (30–40 kmph) likely in districts including Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Keonjhar, Malkangiri, Kalahandi, and Gajapati under yellow warning.
March 18–19: Activity expected to spread to coastal and central districts such as Puri, Khurda, Cuttack, and Ganjam, with yellow alerts continuing in southern Odisha.
March 19–20: Thunderstorm activity likely to remain concentrated over southern districts under yellow warning.
March 20–21 & March 21–22: Peak intensity phase, with orange warning for hailstorms and high-speed winds (50–60 kmph) over northern and western districts, while adjoining regions remain under yellow warning.
The warning comes amid ongoing weather disturbances across the state. Hailstorms were reported at isolated places in Puri, Cuttack, and Mayurbhanj, while widespread light to moderate rainfall occurred, particularly in North Interior Odisha.
The highest rainfall recorded was 3 cm at Rajgangpur (Sundargarh), Soro (Balasore), and several locations in Mayurbhanj.
Weather activity has led to a noticeable dip in temperatures. Maximum temperatures fell by 4–6°C in some areas and remained below normal by 4–5°C in several districts. Sambalpur recorded the highest maximum temperature at 37.0°C.
Minimum temperatures showed mixed trends, with Keonjhar recording the lowest at 16.8°C.
Farmers have been advised to take precautions against lightning and gusty winds, especially in districts under warning, as intermittent rain and thunderstorms may affect agricultural activities.
In Bhubaneswar, a partly cloudy sky with the possibility of rain or thunderstorms is expected over the next 24 hours. The maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to be around 34°C and 23°C, respectively.
