Bhubaneswar, June 17: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast further advancement of the southwest monsoon into more parts of Odisha over the next four to five days, bringing hopes of widespread rainfall across the state. However, the weather agency has also warned of thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds, issuing an Orange Warning for several districts.
According to the IMD’s midday weather bulletin released on Wednesday, the northern limit of the southwest monsoon currently passes through Koraput and Phulbani. Weather conditions remain favourable for the monsoon to progress further across Odisha and neighbouring states, including Telangana, Jharkhand, Bihar and parts of Chhattisgarh.
The IMD has issued an Orange Warning for Balasore, Bhadrak, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Nuapada, Bolangir, Kalahandi, Rayagada and Gajapati districts. These areas are likely to witness thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty surface winds reaching speeds of 50-60 kmph at isolated places till Thursday morning.
A Yellow Warning has also been issued for several districts, including Cuttack, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Sundargarh, Sambalpur, Angul, Dhenkanal, Koraput, Malkangiri, Ganjam, Puri and Khurda, where thunderstorms with wind speeds of 40-50 kmph are expected.
The weather office has predicted light to moderate rainfall or thunderstorm activity in most parts of Odisha during the next 24 hours. In the past day, heavy rainfall was reported from parts of Angul district, with Banarpal recording the highest rainfall of 7 cm. Khajuripada in Kandhamal and Dhamnagar in Bhadrak recorded 6 cm rainfall each.
The bulletin also noted that a strong squall with wind speeds of around 74 kmph swept through Rourkela on Tuesday evening. Meanwhile, heatwave conditions continue to affect parts of interior Odisha, particularly Bolangir, Jharsuguda and Sambalpur districts.
The IMD has advised residents to remain indoors during thunderstorms, avoid taking shelter under trees and stay away from water bodies and electrical installations during lightning activity. Authorities have urged people to follow weather advisories and take necessary precautions as the state experiences a mix of monsoon advancement and severe weather conditions.
About the Author
