IMD Issues Yellow Warning for Thunderstorms Across Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a spell of unsettled weather across Odisha, issuing a ‘Yellow Warning’ for thunderstorms in most districts over the next five days. The forecast follows the development of a weather system over the Bay of Bengal, which may intensify in the coming days.

According to the midday bulletin issued on Thursday, an upper air cyclonic circulation currently lies over the southeast Bay of Bengal adjoining the South Andaman Sea. Under its influence, a low-pressure area is likely to form over the region on Friday, October 24, and may become more marked within the next 24 hours while moving west-northwestwards.

For the next 48 hours (Days 1 and 2), light to moderate rain or thunderstorms are very likely at one or two places in South Coastal Odisha, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Nawarangpur, and Nayagarh districts. The IMD has placed these districts under a Yellow Warning (Be Aware) for thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30–40 kmph.

From Day 3 (October 25), weather activity is expected to increase significantly, with rain and thunderstorms spreading across most districts of Coastal and Southern Odisha, including Balasore, Bhadrak, Cuttack, and Jagatsinghpur. The Yellow Warning will continue for these areas from Day 3 to Day 5.

By Day 5 and Day 6, rainfall is likely to become more widespread, affecting “many places” across Odisha, before gradually tapering off to “a few places” by Day 7.

Meanwhile, shallow fog was reported in Sundargarh district, while Paradip recorded the highest maximum temperature in the plains at 34.6°C, and Phulbani registered the lowest minimum temperature at 18.0°C.

The IMD clarified that no warnings have been issued for fishermen along the Odisha coast for the next five days. Residents have been advised to stay updated through IMD’s official ‘Mausam’, ‘Meghdoot’, and ‘Damini’ mobile apps for localized forecasts, agricultural advisories, and lightning alerts.