Thunderstorms Bring Relief From Heat Across Odisha, Temperatures Dip Below 40°C

Bhubaneswar: In a major relief from the prevailing heatwave conditions, temperatures across Odisha dropped significantly on Thursday following widespread thunderstorm activity. Several regions recorded maximum temperatures below 40 degree Celsius, offering respite to residents from the scorching summer heat.

According to the latest weather observations, Malkangiri recorded the highest daytime temperature at 39.8 degree Celsius. Other places including Hirakud, Sambalpur, Titilagarh, Jharsuguda and Phulbani witnessed temperatures hovering around 39 degree Celsius.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued thunderstorm alerts for several districts during the afternoon and evening hours.

As per the forecast, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty surface winds reaching 40-50 kmph are very likely at one or two places in districts including Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundergarh, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nuapada, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Deogarh, Bargarh, Angul, Sonepur, Boudh and Balangir.

Meanwhile, thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30-40 kmph are likely over Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Dhenkanal, Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri.

For Friday, the weather office has forecast thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore, Bhadrak, Sundergarh, Ganjam and Gajapati. Thunderstorms with winds of 30-40 kmph are also likely in Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri.

The weather department has advised residents in the affected districts to remain cautious during thunderstorm activity, particularly due to lightning strikes, strong winds and the possibility of localized damage to temporary or loose structures. Farmers and outdoor workers have been urged to take necessary precautions during afternoon and evening hours.

The ongoing thunderstorm activity is expected to bring further relief from the intense heat conditions in the coming days.