Bhubaneswar: Parts of western Odisha continued to reel under intense heat with India Meteorological Department (IMD) recording the day’s highest temperature of 39.5°C at Titlagarh, even as coastal and northern districts witnessed significant rainfall and thunderstorm activity, according to the Evening Weather Bulletin issued on Wednesday.
Close on Titlagarh, Bhawanipatna (38.8°C), Boudh (38.7°C), Bolangir (37.8°C), Sonepur (37.4°C) and Sambalpur (37.0°C) reported high day temperatures, indicating prevailing heat conditions across interior districts. In contrast, coastal and northern regions experienced relatively lower temperatures due to rain-bearing systems.
Heavy rainfall activity was recorded in several districts over the past 24 hours ending Wednesday morning, with Bhadrak receiving 49.4 mm, Balasore 40.8 mm, and Chandbali 36.4 mm. During the day, Paradip reported 28.5 mm rainfall, followed by Puri (23 mm) and Nayagarh (13.2 mm), reflecting active convective weather conditions.
The IMD said an upper air cyclonic circulation over Chhattisgarh and adjoining areas persists at lower levels, coupled with a north-south trough extending up to the Gulf of Mannar, creating favourable conditions for thunderstorms and rainfall across Odisha.
For the next 24 hours (till April 9 morning), light to moderate rain or thunderstorms are likely at several places across coastal, northern, and parts of western Odisha.
An Orange Warning has been issued for Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur and Cuttack, where thunderstorms with lightning, gusty winds (50–60 kmph), heavy rainfall, and hailstorms are likely in the afternoon or evening.
A Yellow Warning has been sounded for a wider region, including Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Ganjam, Sambalpur and Angul, with the likelihood of thunderstorms and gusty winds ranging between 30–50 kmph. Heavy rainfall is also expected at isolated places in Khurda and Nayagarh.
Thunderstorm activity is expected to gradually reduce after April 10, with dry weather likely to prevail across the state from April 11 onwards.
However, the IMD has warned of a rise in maximum temperatures by 4–6°C after the next three days, with hot and humid conditions likely in coastal districts between April 12 and April 15.
For Bhubaneswar and adjoining areas, the IMD has forecast a partly cloudy sky with possibility of rain or thunderstorms over the next 24 hours. The city recorded 34.8°C maximum temperature and 22.8°C minimum temperature, with 11.2 mm rainfall during the day.
The IMD has cautioned that strong winds and thunderstorms may cause: Damage to crops, banana plantations, and kutcha houses;
Waterlogging in low-lying urban areas; Traffic disruptions and reduced visibility; and Localised flooding and minor structural damage
People have been advised to stay indoors during thunderstorms, avoid shelter under trees, unplug electrical appliances, and follow traffic advisories.
The IMD has issued a strict advisory for fishermen not to venture into the sea on April 8, warning of squally weather with wind speeds reaching 60–70 kmph (gusting to 80 kmph) and very rough to high sea conditions along and off the Odisha coast.
