IMD Warns of Heavy Rain, Thunderstorms Across Odisha Till July 24

Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a spell of unsettled weather across Odisha over the next week, with light to moderate rainfall and thunderstorms expected in most parts of the state. The Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre, in its midday bulletin on Thursday, issued Yellow Warnings for thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds, and heavy rainfall in multiple districts through July 24.

For the next 24 hours, light to moderate rain or thundershowers are likely at a few locations in interior Odisha and at isolated places along the coast. Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds ranging from 30–40 kmph are expected in districts such as Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Angul, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj, among others.

Similar weather conditions are forecast for July 18 and 19, with repeated Yellow Warnings for the same districts. On July 19 and 20, the intensity of weather activity is likely to increase, with the IMD warning of heavy rainfall combined with thunderstorms and gusty winds in Rayagada, Koraput, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, and Gajapati.

From July 20 to 22, the weather alerts extend to Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Koraput, Ganjam, Gajapati, and Kandhamal, with predictions of heavy rain. Thunderstorms and lightning, along with gusty surface winds, are also likely in districts including Nayagarh, Khurda, Puri, Balangir, and Nuapada.

The IMD has further issued warnings for heavy rainfall at isolated places across Odisha on July 22 and 23, with widespread light to moderate rain expected during this period.

The Meteorological Centre has advised the public to stay alert and take safety precautions, particularly in areas vulnerable to lightning and strong winds. Farmers have been urged to take protective measures for standing crops and harvested produce in rain-prone districts.

The current forecast indicates an active monsoon phase across the region, which may help address the rainfall deficit observed in parts of Odisha earlier this season.