Bhubaneswar: In a major relief from the scorching heat, temperatures across Odisha have dropped significantly following widespread thunderstorm activities. Several parts of the state recorded maximum temperatures below 40 degree Celsius on Thursday.
According to the latest observations, Malkangiri recorded the highest maximum temperature of 39.8 degree Celsius, while Hirakud, Sambalpur, Titilagarh, Jharsuguda and Phulbani hovered around 39 degree Celsius.
The India Meteorological Department has issued thunderstorm alerts for several districts in the afternoon and evening hours. Thunderstorm accompanied with lightning and gusty surface wind reaching 40-50 kmph is very likely to occur at one or two places over Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundergarh, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nuapada, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Deogarh, Bargarh, Angul, Sonepur, Boudh and Balangir.
Thunderstorm accompanied with lightning and gusty surface wind reaching 30-40 kmph is very likely to occur at one or two places over Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Dhenkanal, Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri.
On Friday, thunderstorm accompanied with lightning and gusty surface wind reaching 40-50 kmph is very likely to occur at one or two places over Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore, Bhadrak, Sundergarh, Ganjam and Gajapati. Thunderstorm accompanied with lightning and gusty surface wind reaching 30-40 kmph is very likely to occur at one or two places over Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri.
Residents in the affected districts are advised to remain cautious of lightning, strong winds, and possible localized damage to loose structures. Farmers and outdoor workers should take necessary precautions during the afternoon and evening hours. The thunderstorm activity is expected to provide further relief from the heat in the coming days.
