Kalbaisakhi storms to sweep Odisha: IMD issues fresh warnings

Odisha continued to reel under the impact of intense Kalbaisakhi (Nor’wester) storms, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing new Orange and Yellow warnings for several districts. The storms have brought heavy rainfall, hail, and gusty winds, leading to injuries and significant property damage across the state.

Fresh Warnings Issued for Multiple Districts

The IMD has forecasted thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 50–60 km/h in several districts, including Ganjam, Gajapati, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Balasore, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, and Sundargarh for today.

These areas are under an Orange Warning, indicating the need for residents to be prepared for severe weather conditions. The rest of the state is under a Yellow Warning, suggesting the possibility of thunderstorms with lightning and wind speeds of 40–50 km/h.

The forecast stated that similar conditions are likely to prevail until May 7 across multiple isolated regions of Odisha.

Relief from Heatwave Conditions

Prior to the onset of the Kalbaisakhi storms, Odisha was experiencing intense heatwave conditions. The recent rainfall has provided much-needed relief, leading to a noticeable drop in temperatures across the state.

However, the IMD forecasts continued weather fluctuations in the coming days and urges residents to remain vigilant.

Precautionary Measures Recommended

In light of the ongoing severe weather conditions, the IMD and state authorities recommend that residents stay indoors during thunderstorms and avoid open fields. It is also advisable to secure loose objects that could become projectiles in strong winds and to avoid sheltering under trees during lightning activity.