Bhubaneswar, Jun 11: Odisha is expected to experience a significant temperature drop starting Thursday, as seasonal monsoon rains make a return.

The Regional Meteorological Centre has forecast a 2 to 3-degree Celsius fall in temperature, bringing relief from the scorching heat. Over the next seven days, widespread rainfall is anticipated across various districts.

The onset of monsoon showers will reduce humidity and heat levels, with the possibility of thunderstorms lasting for nearly four days. However, residents should remain cautious as the department has issued an alert for lightning strikes in multiple districts, including Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri.

In the past 24 hours, Ganjam district recorded 66.4 mm of rainfall due to a Kalbaisakhi-driven downpour. Meteorologists have warned that 30-40 km/h gusty winds may accompany the showers, leading to volatile weather conditions. The impact of monsoon rains is expected to intensify post June 14, bringing torrential rainfall across many regions.

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