IMD Issues Yellow Warning for Thunderstorms and Heatwave in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds across various districts of Odisha, effective till April 23, while also warning of an approaching heatwave likely to affect parts of the state from April 24 to 26.

According to the IMD’s midday weather bulletin on Monday, gusty surface winds with speeds reaching 40-50 km/h may occur in several districts. Light rain or thundershowers are expected during the afternoon or evening at isolated places in Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Ganjam, Gajapati, Mayurbhanj, Kendujhar, Sundargarh, Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, and Kalahandi on April 22, while the rest of the state is likely to experience dry weather.

Specific alerts have been issued for Koraput and Malkangiri, where thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds (40–50 km/h) are very likely. Several coastal and interior districts may also witness gusty winds at 30–40 km/h.

On April 23, light rain or thundershowers may continue over Malkangiri, Koraput, and Nabarangpur, while other districts are expected to remain dry. Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds (30–40 km/h) are forecast for these areas.

The IMD has further warned that heatwave conditions are very likely to affect Jharsuguda, Bolangir, Sundargarh, and Sambalpur on April 23. From April 24 to 26, heatwave conditions may spread to Boudh, Nuapada, Sonepur, Bolangir, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, and Sundargarh. Additionally, hot and humid conditions are expected to prevail in parts of Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Ganjam, and Gajapati during this period.

Scattered light rain or thundershowers are also likely to occur in the afternoon or evening over Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Ganjam, Gajapati, Mayurbhanj, Balasore, and Keonjhargarh through the forecast period.

The IMD has predicted a rise in maximum temperatures by 3–5°C over the next three days, with levels expected to exceed 42°C in districts such as Angul, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Sundargarh, Bolangir, Sonepur, Boudh, Bargarh, Kalahandi, and Nuapada.

Authorities have urged the public to remain cautious, stay hydrated, and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during peak hours.