In addition, the IMD has sounded a Yellow Warning for hot and humid weather across 11 coastal districts including Ganjam, Gajapati, Nayagarh, Khorda, Puri, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Jajpur, Bhadrak, and Balasore.

Meanwhile, thunderstorm activity accompanied by lightning and rainfall has triggered an Orange Alert in eight districts — Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Balasore, Mayurbhanj, and Keonjhar. The Nor’westers are expected to continue until June 2, bringing much-needed relief from the scorching heat but also causing damage in several areas.

On Wednesday evening, strong winds and heavy showers swept through parts of the state, lowering temperatures by 8–10°C. Cities including Rourkela, Bhubaneswar, Berhampur, Cuttack, Puri, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Bhadrak, Boudh, Mayurbhanj, and Nuapada witnessed widespread rainfall and gusty winds.

The impact was severe in some regions. In Puri, the Patitapaban Bana atop the Jagannath Temple was partially torn, while decorative flags were damaged. In Keonjhar, electric poles and trees were uprooted, disrupting power supply. In Angul district’s Athmallik, a woman tragically lost her life after a tree collapsed on her house. Boudh district also reported injuries when walls collapsed under storm pressure.

Also Read: Titilagarh Hits 45.8°C as Odisha Scorches under Heatwave

The IMD has forecast heavy rainfall on May 29 and 30, with wind speeds ranging from 40–50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph along northern coastal Odisha. The sea is expected to remain rough, and fishermen have been advised not to venture out on May 28 and 29 due to adverse conditions.

While the Kalbaisakhi storms have provided temporary respite from the oppressive heat, they have also left a trail of destruction across several districts, highlighting the dual nature of seasonal weather in Odisha.

This Story is compiled by Manisha Dhal.