Finance
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a series of orange and yellow warnings for thunderstorms, lightning, hail, and gusty winds across Odisha over the next five days, advising inhabitants to stay vigilant as weather activity is expected to escalate in phases.
According to the IMD’s midday advisory, while yellow warnings (be aware) will continue in effect in numerous districts beginning March 17, conditions are predicted to increase to orange warnings (be prepared) in sections of northern and western Odisha between March 20 and March 22.
Under the orange alert, districts including Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, and Sambalpur are expected to see thunderstorms with lightning, hail, and gusty gusts reaching 50-60 kmph in isolated areas.
Neighbouring districts will remain under yellow warning for thunderstorms and strong winds ranging between 30–50 kmph during this period.
March 17–18: Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds (30–40 kmph) likely in districts including Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Keonjhar, Malkangiri, Kalahandi, and Gajapati under yellow warning.
March 18–19: Activity expected to spread to coastal and central districts such as Puri, Khurda, Cuttack, and Ganjam, with yellow alerts continuing in southern Odisha.
March 19–20: Thunderstorm activity likely to remain concentrated over southern districts under yellow warning.
March 20–21 & March 21–22: Peak intensity phase, with orange warning for hailstorms and high-speed winds (50–60 kmph) over northern and western districts, while adjoining regions remain under yellow warning.
The warning comes amid persistent weather disruptions around the state. Hailstorms were observed in isolated areas of Puri, Cuttack, and Mayurbhanj, while widespread light to moderate rain fell, notably in North Interior Odisha.
The greatest reported rainfall was 3 cm in Rajgangpur (Sundargarh), Soro (Balasore), and various places in Mayurbhanj.
Weather activity has resulted in a considerable drop in temperatures. Maximum temperatures dropped by 4-6°C in several locations and remained 4-5°C below normal in numerous districts. Sambalpur recorded the highest maximum temperature of 37.0°C.
Minimum temperatures showed conflicting patterns, with Keonjhar recorded the lowest of 16.8°C.
Farmers have been encouraged to take care against lightning and gusty winds, particularly in areas under alert, because sporadic rain and thunderstorms may disrupt agricultural work.
Over the next 24 hours, Bhubaneswar will have partly overcast skies with the risk of showers or thunderstorms. The highest and lowest temperatures are expected to be approximately 34°C and 23°C, respectively.
