Odisha Sees Rain Relief, Dry Heat to Return March 23

Odisha witnessed widespread rainfall across 13 cities, offering much‑needed respite from the rising heat.

Cloudy skies and a trough line stretching from Uttar Pradesh to Odisha brought down daytime temperatures by up to 5°C, with Paralakhemundi recording the highest at 36.6°C.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued yellow warnings for thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds until March 20, covering districts such as Mayurbhanj, Malkangiri, Kendujhar, Balasore, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Ganjam, and Gajapati.

Gusty winds ranging from 0–30 km/h and isolated hailstorms are expected in some areas.

Pre‑monsoon thunderstorms, locally known as Kalbaisakhi, have already been reported in several districts, driven by an active cyclonic circulation.

While the rains have temporarily cooled conditions, IMD forecasts indicate that dry heat will return from March 23, with interior districts likely to see temperatures rise to 36–37°C.

Coastal regions, however, will remain relatively cooler until March 20.