Rain and thunderstorms to lash several districts of Odisha until May 19, IMD issues alert

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh alert for Odisha, warning of thunderstorms and rainfall accompanied by lightning in various parts of the state for the next three days, starting today.

The weather department stated that the alerts will remain in effect until May 19, even as most of the state reeled from intense heat and humid conditions.

Orange Warning for Five Districts

The IMD issued an orange warning for rain and thunderstorms for the districts of Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Koraput, Rayagada, and Malkangiri for today. 

According to the weather report, one or two areas in these districts are expected to witness heavy rainfall, lightning, and gusty winds with speeds reaching up to 50 to 60 kmph. Specific localities in these districts may be particularly vulnerable and may witness strong thunderstorm activity.

In addition to the orange alert, a yellow warning has been issued for eight more districts.

High Humidity Causes Inconvenience

The current weather pattern is being influenced by Kalbaisakhi (Nor’wester). Notably, despite cloudy skies, coastal regions in Odisha, including the state capital of Bhubaneswar, suffered from unbearably high humidity.

Further, the IMD has maintained that no large change in day temperatures may be observed over the next six to seven days. It is worth mentioning that hot and humid day warnings were issued by the weather department for the districts of Gajapati, Ganjam, Khordha, Nayagarh, Puri, Cuttack, and Jagatsinghpur. The same will stay valid until today.

ALSO READ: Bhubaneswar records 32.8 deg C by 8:30 AM, high humidity makes life unbearable

Lightning Strikes Claim 10 Lives

The forecast comes after reports from yesterday confirm that lightning strikes led to the death of 10 individuals across different regions of the state, with three casualties from Koraput, two from Ganjam, two from Jajpur, two from Dhenkanal, and one from Gajapati.