Bhubaneswar: Several parts of Odisha are likely to witness intense thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, high-velocity winds, and rainfall with hail over the next five days.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday issued orange and yellow warnings of severe thunderstorm activity for different districts during this period.
In its midday weather bulletin, the Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar noted that the southwest monsoon has advanced further into parts of the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and is expected to progress into more areas in the next 4-5 days.
It said the maximum temperature (day temperature) in the state is likely to fall by 2-4°C during next 24 hours and again rise by 2-3°C after two days.
Light to moderate rain or thundershowers may occur at a few places across Odisha during the next 24 hours.
The weather agency has issued an orange warning of thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds reaching 60-70 kmph over Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj districts in next 24 hours.
Heavy rainfall accompanied by hailstorms is also expected in Sundargarh and Keonjhar districts during the period, while hailstorms alone are forecast for Mayurbhanj.
Yellow warning has been issued for many coastal and interior districts. Hot and humid conditions are expected at isolated places in coastal districts.
On May 31–June 1, orange warning of thunderstorms with gusty winds (50-60 kmph) and heavy rainfall has been issued for Nayagarh and Ganjam districts. Strong thunderstorms expected in Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj.
On June 1–2, orange warning of thunderstorms with gusty winds (50-60 kmph) and heavy rain was issued for Ganjam, while strong thunderstorms has been forecast for Kandhamal and Gajapati districts.
Squally weather with winds reaching 40-50 kmph (gusting to 60 kmph) and rough to very rough seas are likely along and off the north Odisha Coast on May 31 and June 1.
Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea during this period.
