Bhubaneswar: The Regional Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar has issued a three-day thunderstorm and rainfall alert for Odisha, warning residents to remain cautious as unstable weather conditions continue across the state.
The alert comes after several districts witnessed scorching daytime temperatures and high humidity levels, followed by the development of rain-bearing clouds and evening showers in recent days.
For Friday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed 14 districts under an orange warning, indicating the possibility of severe thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty surface winds.
Additionally, 16 districts have been placed under a yellow warning, urging people to stay alert for adverse weather conditions associated with Kalbaisakhi activity.
Weather experts said the combination of intense heat and moisture in the atmosphere is creating favourable conditions for thunderstorm development across many parts of Odisha. Before the onset of evening showers, coastal and southern Odisha are likely to experience hot and humid weather conditions during the daytime.
Residents in these regions may continue to face discomfort due to elevated temperatures and high moisture levels in the atmosphere before thunderstorms provide temporary relief.
The Meteorological Centre has forecast that the unstable weather pattern will persist over the coming days. On Saturday, the entire state is expected to remain under a yellow alert, with thunderstorms, lightning and moderate rainfall likely in several districts.
Meteorologists have advised people to monitor weather updates and take necessary precautions during thunderstorm activity. According to the latest forecast, thunderstorms may be accompanied by lightning strikes, moderate to heavy rainfall in isolated areas, sudden squalls, and wind speeds reaching 50 to 60 kmph.
Weather officials have also indicated the possibility of a low-pressure system forming over the region next week, which could further enhance rainfall activity across Odisha. The expected rainfall is likely to provide continued relief from recent heatwave-like conditions that affected several districts earlier this month.
Authorities have advised residents, farmers, fishermen and commuters to remain vigilant and follow official weather advisories during the warning period.