IMD forecasts heavy rain, thunderstorms in Odisha; orange and yellow alerts issued

Bhubaneswar, Aug 31: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a forecast of heavy to very heavy rainfall along with thunderstorms and lightning across several districts of Odisha from August 31 to September 3. The adverse weather conditions are expected to intensify with the formation of a fresh low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal around September 2.

According to the IMD bulletin, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Koraput, Malkangiri, and Nabarangpur districts have been placed under an orange warning, urging authorities and residents to remain on high alert. These districts may experience heavy to very heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusty surface winds of 30–40 kmph.

Meanwhile, a yellow warning has been issued for several other districts, including Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Ganjam, Sundargarh, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Nuapada, Boudh, Sonepur, Bolangir, Rayagada, and Jharsuguda. These areas may face thunderstorms with lightning and strong winds.

The IMD has also advised fishermen not to venture into the sea along the Odisha coast and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands over the next five days due to rough sea conditions. Residents in vulnerable areas have been urged to take adequate precautions.