Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds likely across Odisha till May 18: IMD

Bhubaneswar, May 14: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued thunderstorm activity accompanied by lightning and gusty surface winds in several parts of Odisha till May 18.

While no significant change in day temperatures is expected over the next 6-7 days, the mercury is likely to hover around 40°C or higher in isolated pockets of western and central districts.

Districts such as Bargarh, Boudh, Sonepur, Sundargarh, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, and Angul may experience extreme heat under prevailing sultry conditions. The IMD has issued a yellow warning for hot and humid weather for May 14-15 in coastal and interior districts including Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Ganjam, Gajapati, Mayurbhanj, and Keonjhar.

On May 14, thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds of 50–60 kmph are likely during the afternoon and evening in Nabarangpur, Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Gajapati, and Ganjam. The IMD warned that strong winds may damage crops, banana plantations, and fragile structures.

Additionally, wind speeds of 40–50 kmph are expected in Kalahandi, Nuapada, Balangir, Kandhamal, Nayagarh, Khurda, and Puri. Lighter gusts of 30–40 kmph may affect Sundargarh, Bargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Mayurbhanj, and Keonjhar. Residents are advised to seek shelter during thunderstorms.