Thunderstorms, Hail and Gusty Winds Likely Across Odisha for Next 5 Days

Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday forecast widespread thunderstorm activity across Odisha over the next five days, accompanied by lightning, gusty winds, and hail in several districts. Orange and Yellow warnings have been issued for multiple regions.

According to the Midday Weather Bulletin from the Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar, a trough extending from southeast Rajasthan to north Chhattisgarh is currently influencing weather conditions over the state, leading to atmospheric instability and increased convective activity.

On Day 1 (till March 19 morning), districts including Nuapada, Bolangir, Ganjam, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri are likely to experience thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds reaching 30–40 kmph under a Yellow warning.

For Day 2 (March 19–20), an Orange warning has been issued for Kalahandi and Nabarangpur districts, with forecasts of thunderstorms, lightning, hail, and winds of 40–50 kmph. Several southern districts will continue under Yellow alert.

Thunderstorm activity is expected to intensify on Day 3 (March 20–21), with an Orange warning for Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, and Sambalpur districts. These areas may witness hailstorms and winds reaching speeds of 50–60 kmph.

On Day 4 (March 21–22), northern and coastal districts including Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore, and Bhadrak will remain under Orange alert, with risks of hail and strong winds up to 60 kmph.

From Day 5 onwards, thunderstorm activity is likely to persist mainly in coastal and northern districts, although the intensity is expected to reduce, with only Yellow warnings in place.

The IMD stated that there will be no significant change in maximum temperatures over the next two days, followed by a gradual drop of 2–3°C across Odisha over the subsequent five days.

For Bhubaneswar and nearby areas, partly cloudy skies are expected over the next 24 hours, with temperatures likely to hover around 34°C and 22°C.

Authorities have advised residents, especially in interior and northern districts, to stay alert for lightning, gusty winds, and possible hailstorms. Farmers have also been urged to take necessary precautions to protect standing crops.