Bhubaneswar: Heavy to very heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorm and lightning is likely to pound several parts of Odisha till this weekend.
The intensity of rain is likely to increase in some areas of the state between June 25 and 27, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
These weather conditions are expected to persist across various parts of the state till the morning of June 29.
The weather agency said that a trough is currently extending from a cyclonic circulation over central parts of south Uttar Pradesh to the Bay of Bengal. This trough passes through northeast Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and north Odisha and extends up to 1.5 km above mean sea level.
Thunderstorm with lightning, gusty surface wind speed reaching 30-40 kmph and heavy rain may occur at one or two places of Gajapati, Ganjam, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Rayagada, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Boudh, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Sundargarh, Khurda, Cuttack, Nayagarh, Kendrapada districts by Tuesday morning.
Similarly, thunderstorm with lightning, gusty surface wind speed reaching 30-40 kmph may occur at one or two places of Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Nayagarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Sonepur, Nuapada, Balangir, and Malkangiri during the period. A yellow warning has been issued for these districts.
Issuing a warning for fishermen, the IMD advised them to avoid venturing into the sea along and off the Odisha coast on June 25 and 26.
Squally weather conditions are expected to prevail during this period, with wind speeds likely to reach 35–45 kmph, gusting up to 55 kmph. The sea is expected to be rough to very rough on these days, the forecast added.
Strong wind may damage plantation, horticulture and standing crops. Minor damage may be caused to loose / unsecured structures due to strong winds.
People have been advised to keep a watch on the weather for worsening conditions and be ready to move to safer places accordingly. They should stay indoors, close windows & doors and avoid travel if possible.