A sudden change in weather conditions has prompted authorities to issue a yellow warning for eight districts across Odisha, with forecasts predicting thunderstorms, gusty winds and rainfall over the next 24 hours.
According to weather officials, several districts in northern, coastal, and southern Odisha are likely to experience light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning.
Northern and Coastal Districts on Alert
The districts expected to be affected include Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore, and Bhadrak, where meteorologists have warned of thunderstorms with intermittent rainfall.
Officials said these regions could witness brief but intense weather activity, particularly during the evening and night hours.
Southern Odisha Also Under Warning
The alert has also been issued for southern districts, including:
- Ganjam
- Gajapati
- Rayagada
- Koraput
Weather experts say these areas may see scattered showers along with lightning and strong winds.
Gusty Winds up to 50 kmph Expected
Meteorologists have cautioned that wind speeds may reach 40–50 kmph during thunderstorms. Such conditions could lead to:
- Falling tree branches
- Temporary disruptions in power supply
- Reduced visibility during heavy rain spells
Residents have been advised to remain cautious, particularly during lightning activity, and avoid open areas during thunderstorms.
Rain Likely to Continue for Next Few Days
The unstable weather pattern may persist beyond the immediate alert period. The yellow warning has already been extended for most parts of Odisha for March 28 and 29, indicating the possibility of continued thunderstorms and scattered rainfall across the state.
Relief Amid Rising Temperatures
The sudden weather change comes amid intense heat conditions in several cities, including Bhubaneswar, where temperatures have been steadily rising in recent days.
Meteorologists explain that pre-summer thunderstorms are common during this time of year, often triggered by heat buildup combined with moisture incursion in the atmosphere.
While the expected rainfall may bring temporary relief from the heat, authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant as lightning strikes and strong winds remain the primary safety concerns in the coming days.
