IMD Issues Yellow Alert for Odisha, Thunderstorms Likely Till February 25

Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday issued a yellow alert for Odisha, warning of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty surface winds between February 23 and 25, 2026.

The alert has been issued due to a well-marked low-pressure area persisting over the southwest Bay of Bengal. The associated cyclonic circulation extends up to 5.8 km above mean sea level and is influencing weather conditions over several parts of the state.

According to the IMD’s mid-day bulletin, isolated thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30–40 kmph are likely over Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore, and Bhadrak districts on February 23 and 24. Light rain or thundershowers may also occur at one or two places in Sundergarh, Rayagada, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Khordha, Puri, Jajpur, and other adjoining districts during this period, while the remaining areas of the state are expected to experience mainly dry weather.

On February 25, isolated thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds are forecast over Mayurbhanj, Jajpur, and Cuttack districts. Light rain or thundershowers may occur at one or two places in Sundergarh, Keonjhar, Bhadrak, Dhenkanal, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Khordha, and Puri. The rest of Odisha is likely to remain dry.

The weather office has advised residents to remain cautious, particularly while stepping out during thunderstorm activity, and to stay updated with official advisories. Fishermen have been warned against venturing into the sea due to adverse conditions over the Bay of Bengal, while travellers and commuters have been cautioned about possible disruptions caused by gusty winds and lightning.