Heatwave set to return to Odisha after thunderstorm spell, warns IMD

Bhubaneswar, May 6: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has informed that Odisha is likely to experience a return of heatwave and hot, humid weather conditions after two more days of thunderstorm activity.

Daytime temperatures across the state are expected to rise by 2°C to 4°C during this period. A yellow warning has been issued for thunderstorms followed by heat and humidity till May 10.

On May 6, thunderstorm and lightning activity accompanied by gusty surface winds reaching speeds of 40–50 kmph may occur in parts of Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Keonjhar, Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, and Ganjam. Similar weather with slightly lower wind speeds (30–40 kmph) is also likely in Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Nuapada, and Sundargarh. Light to moderate rainfall is also expected in several districts during the afternoon or evening.

On May 7, thunderstorms with lightning and winds reaching 30–40 kmph may impact Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, and Nabarangpur. Rain is also forecast in these areas along with Kalahandi.

From May 8 to 10, hot and humid weather is likely to affect Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Ganjam, and Gajapati. A heatwave warning has been issued for Sambalpur and Jharsuguda on May 9, and for Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Balangir, and Boudh on May 10. Light to moderate rain may continue in Koraput, Rayagada, Malkangiri, Gajapati, and Ganjam during this period. The IMD has advised people to take precautions against extreme heat and changing weather patterns.