Thunderstorms, heavy rain lash Cuttack, Bhubaneswar; yellow alert for Kalbaisakhi issued

Odisha braced for severe weather on Friday as the seasonal Kalbaisakhi hit several districts across the state, bringing with it turbulent thunderstorms and heavy rains. Much of the state experienced varied weather, with heavy rainfall and thunderstorms battering several areas.

Notably, the twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, along with other surrounding areas, witnessed heavy rainfall since the early hours.

Yellow Alert Issued

The Bhubaneswar Regional Meteorological Centre has issued a yellow alert across 15 districts, warning residents of the expected impact of Kalbaisakhi. The districts of Mayurbhanj, Balasore, and Bhadrak are particularly at risk of experiencing intense storms, with forecasts predicting significant rainfall, lightning, and potential hailstorms. Particularly, Balasore and Mayurbhanj could face heavy rainfall alongside lightning, with wind speeds reaching up to 50 to 60 km/h in certain areas.

Broader Impact Across Odisha

Elsewhere, districts including Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri are also on high alert for Kalbaisakhi rain. These regions are expected to encounter turbulent weather conditions over the next three days due to the ongoing storm system.

Weather Outlook

Weather predictions suggest that the storm will persist until the 20th of the month, after which a rise in temperature is anticipated as a shift in atmospheric conditions begins. Those in affected regions are advised to remain cautious and stay updated with the latest weather advisories.