Heat Persists Across Odisha as IMD Issues Thunderstorm and Rain Warnings

Bhubaneswar: Day temperatures remained elevated across Odisha on Tuesday, with western districts continuing to experience above-normal heat, even as several regions reported significant rainfall, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Titlagarh recorded the highest maximum temperature in the state at 37.7°C, followed by Bhawanipatna at 37.5°C and Nuapada at 37.2°C. Other western towns also witnessed high temperatures, including Bolangir (36.9°C), Boudh (36.6°C), Sambalpur (36.5°C) and Hirakud (36.0°C).

In contrast, coastal areas remained relatively cooler. Puri and Paradip both recorded 32.6°C, while the state capital Bhubaneswar registered a maximum temperature of 34.3°C.

Minimum temperatures across Odisha varied between 18.0°C in Rayagada and 24.7°C in Paradip.

Meanwhile, parts of the state experienced notable rainfall. Bhadrak reported heavy rainfall of 41 mm between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm, while Phulbani recorded 47 mm during the same period. Other areas including Baripada (11 mm), Nayagarh (15 mm) and Paralakhemundi (25.6 mm) also received moderate precipitation.

According to the IMD, the current weather conditions are influenced by an upper air cyclonic circulation over Odisha and adjoining areas, along with a trough extending from Gangetic West Bengal to the Gulf of Mannar.

Under its impact, light to moderate rain or thundershowers are likely at many places in coastal and adjoining districts till Wednesday morning. The Met office has issued an orange warning for districts such as Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, Sundargarh, Keonjhar and Angul, forecasting thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, gusty winds of 50–60 kmph and hail.

Heavy rainfall along with thunderstorms and strong winds is also likely at isolated places in Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Khordha, Jajpur and Dhenkanal.

Additionally, a yellow warning has been issued for several districts, cautioning about thunderstorms with wind speeds ranging from 30 to 50 kmph.

The IMD has warned that strong winds may damage standing crops, banana plantations and vulnerable structures, and could also cause waterlogging in low-lying urban areas, leading to traffic disruptions and reduced visibility.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea along and off the Odisha coast on April 7 due to squally weather conditions. Wind speeds may reach up to 70 kmph, gusting to 80 kmph, with very rough to high sea conditions expected.

The weather office stated that there will be no significant change in maximum temperatures over the next three days, after which a gradual rise of 4–6°C is likely.