Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued weather warnings for Odisha, predicting thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds across several districts from May 19 to May 23. Along with these storms, some areas will also experience hot and humid conditions. The IMD has issued both Orange and Yellow alerts, indicating varying levels of severity. 
Odisha Weather Alert: IMD Issues Thunderstorm & Heatwave Warnings Till May 23 | Safety Tips


Weather System Affecting Odisha  

According to the IMD, a weather system is currently influencing conditions in eastern India, including Odisha. This system consists of a trough—a long area of low pressure—stretching from Punjab to northern Bangladesh. It passes through several states, including Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal, and is located about 0.9 km above sea level. This disturbance is responsible for the unstable weather expected over the next few days.  

Day-by-Day Weather Forecast  

May 19 (Sunday)  

  • Orange Warning (Severe Weather): Thunderstorms with lightning and strong winds (40–50 kmph) are likely in Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj.  
  • Yellow Warning (Moderate Weather): Thunderstorms with lightning and slightly weaker winds (30–40 kmph) may occur in Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nayagarh, Khordha, Puri, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Jajpur, Balasore, Bhadrak, Nuapada, and Balangir.  
  • Hot and Humid Conditions: Some areas, including Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Ganjam, Gajapati, Cuttack, and Jagatsinghpur, may experience uncomfortably warm and sticky weather.  

May 20 (Monday)  

  • Yellow Warning: Thunderstorms with lightning and winds of 40–50 kmph may hit Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, and Gajapati.  
  • Additional Yellow Warning: Areas like Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Balangir, and Nuapada could see thunderstorms with 30–40 kmph winds.  
  • Heat and Humidity: Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Ganjam, and Gajapati may continue to experience hot and humid weather.  

May 21 (Tuesday)  

  • Yellow Warning: Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds (30–40 kmph) are expected in Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Gajapati, and Ganjam.  

May 22 (Wednesday)  

  • Yellow Warning: Stronger thunderstorms with winds of 40–50 kmph may affect Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Bargarh, Balangir, Nuapada, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, and Balasore.  

May 23 (Thursday)  

  • Yellow Warning: Thunderstorms with lightning and winds of 40–50 kmph could occur in Sonepur, Boudh, Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Gajapati, and Ganjam.  
  • Additional Yellow Warning: Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, and Jharsuguda may experience storms with 30–40 kmph winds.  

Temperature Outlook  

The IMD has stated that daytime temperatures will remain high, with no significant drop expected over the next week. Some areas, particularly Sambalpur and Bargarh, may even see temperatures reaching or exceeding 40°C.  

Precautions to Take 

  • During Thunderstorms: Avoid open fields, tall trees, and metal objects. Stay indoors if possible.  
  • During Heatwaves: Drink plenty of water, wear light clothing, and avoid direct sunlight during peak hours.  
  • Follow Official Updates: Keep an eye on IMD and local authorities for the latest weather warnings.  
With severe weather expected across multiple districts, residents of Odisha should stay alert and take necessary precautions to stay safe.