Pre-Summer Heat Intensifies in Odisha; Thunderstorm Warnings Issued

Bhubaneswar: Parts of Odisha witnessed intense pre-summer heat on Thursday, with at least nine locations recording maximum temperatures above 35°C, even as scattered thunderstorms and rainfall brought intermittent relief across the State.

Jharsuguda recorded the highest temperature at 36.8°C, followed by Talcher at 36.5°C and Boudh at 35.7°C. Paralakhemundi and Rourkela reported 35.6°C each, while Hirakud and Bhadrak recorded 35.5°C. The State capital Bhubaneswar registered 35.3°C, and Sundargarh 35.2°C.

The rising mercury reflects prevailing warm conditions, particularly in interior and western districts, in line with seasonal trends ahead of peak summer. However, thunderstorm activity in several regions has led to a temporary dip in temperatures, offering brief respite.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of possible severe weather conditions in the coming days. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, hail, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 50–60 kmph are likely at isolated places in districts such as Sundargarh, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, and Sambalpur.

Additionally, a Yellow Warning (Be Aware) has been issued for districts including Deogarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Sonepur, Boudh, Bolangir, Kandhamal, Nuapada, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Koraput, and Malkangiri, where thunderstorms with lightning and winds of 30–40 kmph are expected at isolated locations.