Odisha braces for thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds through May 19

Bhubaneswar, May 16: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday issued a weather alert stating that thunderstorm activity accompanied by lightning and gusty surface winds is likely to continue across various parts of Odisha till May 19. Alongside, hot and humid conditions are expected to prevail in several districts including Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Ganjam, Gajapati, Cuttack, and Jagatsinghpur on May 16 and 17.

While no major fluctuation in daytime temperatures is expected over the next 6–7 days, temperatures may continue to hover around 40°C in isolated areas of Angul, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Sundargarh, Kalahandi, Balangir, Sonepur, Boudh, Bargarh, and Nuapada.

The IMD has issued an Orange Warning for thunderstorm activity on both May 16 and 17, cautioning about potential gusty winds reaching 50–60 kmph in the afternoon and evening hours. On May 16, affected districts could include Koraput, Rayagada, Ganjam, Nabarangpur, Nuapada, Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, Keonjhar, Jharsuguda, and Sundargarh. On May 17, similar conditions are expected in Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Koraput, Malkangiri, and Rayagada.

The IMD has also advised people in the warned areas to remain indoors and move to safer places during thunderstorms to avoid lightning strikes. The strong winds may cause damage to standing crops, banana plantations, and weak structures, the advisory added.