Finance
Thunderstorms and rainfall are predicted to provide some respite for Odisha, which has been suffering from a severe heatwave for the previous several days.
Over the coming week, the state may get thunderstorms and rains, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). From April 2 to 5, the regional weather office has issued a number of warnings for Odisha, expecting hailstorms and thunderstorms in several districts.
The temperature in Odisha districts is predicted to drop because to Kala Baishakhi, which is marked by thunderstorms and showers. Over the following week, the IMD has forecast thunderstorms and rainfall across the whole state, providing much-needed respite from the heat. Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty surface wind speeds of 40-50 kmph are likely to occur in Bargarh, Sonepur, Balangir, Nuapada, and Malkangiri.
According to the regional weather office’s April 5 yellow warning, the districts of Malkangiri, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore, Bhadrak, Angul, Rayagada, Koraput, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Ganjam, and Gajapati are expected to see thunderstorms with lightning, gusty surface winds of 50–60 kmph, and hailstorms in one or two locations. In Boudh, Kandhamal, and Dhenkanal, thunderstorms with lightning and strong surface winds of 40–50 kmph are quite likely to occur.
The Special Relief Commissioner has given District Collectors the following directives in light of the thunderstorms, hailstorms, and rain that are predicted to batter Odisha through April 5:
- Districts under yellow warning are advised to keep administrative machinery ready to face any eventuality.
- People may be advised to keep a watch on weather updates and take safe shelter during thunderstorm activity to protect themselves from lightning.
- Harvesting of crops may be regulated judiciously, and farmers are advised to use nail nets to protect vegetables and crops from hail.
- A report on the damage, if occurred due to thunderstorm, whirlwind, hailstorm, lightning, and rainfall, should be submitted immediately for information of the government.
