Argus News - Odisha Braces for Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms

Bhubaneswar, Apr 8: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued fresh warnings for Odisha as a cyclonic circulation and trough line are expected to trigger heavy rainfall across the state in the next 24 hours.

While mornings may remain dry, showers are likely to intensify by evening, affecting multiple districts.

An orange warning has been issued for Bhadrak, Jajpur, Mayurbhanj, Balasore, and Keonjhar, where heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms, hail, and wind speeds up to 60 kmph are expected.

The rest of the districts may witness thunderstorms with wind speeds between 30–50 kmph. Additionally, Cuttack, Khordha, and Nayagarh have been placed under a yellow warning for heavy rainfall.

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Rainfall intensity is expected to reduce from Thursday, but 16 districts including Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Nayagarh, Khordha, Puri, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Balasore, Mayurbhanj, and Keonjhar will continue to experience light to moderate showers with thunderstorms and gusty winds.

The IMD has forecast rainfall activity until April 10, after which weather conditions will shift.

From April 12 onwards, temperatures are expected to rise by 4-6°C, leading to hot and humid conditions across Odisha. As many as 11 districts have already been placed under a yellow warning for heat and humidity, signalling a transition from wet to scorching weather.

Meanwhile, the sea is expected to remain rough with wind speeds ranging between 60-80 kmph, prompting authorities to ban fishing activities until 8:30 AM on Thursday. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea during this period.

In the past 24 hours, hailstorms were reported in Balasore, while rainfall was recorded in 13 locations. Heavy showers were reported in two places, with Chilika in Khordha district recording the highest rainfall at 140 mm.

Titilagarh, on the other hand, registered the state’s highest temperature at 37.7°C, reflecting the contrasting weather conditions.