Odisha braces for rising temperatures and thunderstorms till May 16: IMD issues alert

Bhubaneswar, May 12: Amid ongoing hot and humid weather, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday warned that day temperatures in Odisha are likely to rise by 2–3°C over the next two days. The IMD has also issued alerts for thunderstorms and lightning activity in several districts over a three-day period.

On May 12, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty surface winds reaching speeds of 40–50 kmph are expected in the afternoon or evening at isolated places in Mayurbhanj, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, and Ganjam. Other districts, including Balasore, Bhadrak, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, and Malkangiri, may experience similar weather with slightly milder winds at 30–40 kmph.

The unsettled weather will continue on May 13, with forecasts of thunderstorm and gusty winds (30–40 kmph) in Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, Mayurbhanj, Balasore, and Ganjam.

On May 14, the weather agency expects thunderstorm activity in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Nuapada, and Nabarangpur.

A hot and humid weather warning has also been extended for these districts until May 16, and residents are advised to take necessary precautions, especially during afternoon hours.