Rain and thunderstorms to lash Odisha as monsoon gains strength

Bhubaneswar, July 17: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted unstable weather conditions across Odisha over the next several days, with light to moderate rainfall expected in most regions.

The Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre, in its latest bulletin released on Thursday, issued Yellow Warnings for several districts, citing risks of thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds, and isolated heavy rainfall until July 24.

For the 24 hours ending at 8:30 AM on July 18, sporadic rain or thundershowers are likely over interior Odisha, with isolated showers expected in coastal areas. Districts such as Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, and Angul may witness thunderstorms with lightning and wind speeds reaching 30–40 kmph.

Similar weather patterns are forecast for July 18 and 19. However, heavier rainfall is expected between July 19 and 20 in districts like Rayagada, Koraput, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, and Gajapati. The alert extends to July 22, with warnings of intense rainfall in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Koraput, Ganjam, and other districts.

The IMD has urged residents to exercise caution, especially in lightning-prone areas, and advised farmers to protect their crops and harvests. The prevailing conditions suggest a strengthening monsoon phase, offering hope for recovery from earlier rainfall shortages.