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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow warning for 11 districts in Odisha, forecasting the impact of the Kalbaisakhi storms today.
According to the Regional Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar, parts of Gajapati, Ganjam, Nayagarh, Puri, Khurda, Cuttack, Jajpur, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Balasore, and Bhadrak are likely to witness thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, gusty winds, and light to moderate rainfall.
Wind speeds are expected to reach 30 to 40 km/h in affected areas, and residents have been advised to remain alert, especially in open or vulnerable locations, the reports added.
Scorching Temperatures Continue Across State
The rain forecast comes at a time when much of the state, especially the coastal belt, reeled under hot and humid conditions.
Meanwhile, the weather predictions for today state that although some interior regions may receive isolated showers, large parts of Odisha remain gripped by a severe heatwave.
It is worth noting that a day before, Bhubaneswar recorded 33.4 degree Celsius by 8:30 AM today with humidity levels nearing 67.2%, while Balasore topped the charts with 34.8 degree Celsius. Puri, despite being on the Kalbaisakhi alert list, logged a sweltering 34.6 degree Celsius.
On Monday, maximum temperatures at several cities, including Bhubaneswar (39.4), Balasore (38.4), Sambalpur, and Hirakud created extreme weather discomfort, creating hazardous conditions for outdoor activity.
ALSO READ: No monsoon relief for Odisha until mid-June; Bhubaneswar swelters at 33.4 deg C by 8.30 am
Monsoon Progress Stalls After Early Onset
The early onset of the southwest monsoon over Odisha last week brought hope, but progress has since stalled due to weakening low-pressure systems over the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea. Meteorologists now expect further advancement only after Raja, the mid-June Odia festival, prolonging the discomfort caused by high heat and humidity.
While Kalbaisakhi storms may bring temporary relief to some southern and coastal regions, the IMD has cautioned that these are isolated weather events and will not have a lasting impact on the ongoing heatwave.
Interior districts like Koraput, Rayagada, Keonjhar, and Sundargarh may also experience localised thundershowers. However, without consistent monsoon activity, Odisha is likely to continue facing oppressive weather in the coming days.
