Thunderstorm Alert: IMD Warns 14 Odisha Districts of Lightning & Gusty Winds
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a thunderstorm alert for 14 districts across Odisha, warning of lightning, gusty winds, and moderate rainfall over the next two days.
According to the IMD, a trough associated with a Western Disturbance is influencing weather conditions in eastern India. While earlier cyclonic circulations have weakened, the system is expected to trigger thunderstorms in several northern and coastal districts.
Orange Warning has been issued for Mayurbhanj and Balasore, where wind speeds may reach 50–60 kmph accompanied by lightning. Yellow Warning has been declared for Sundergarh, Keonjhar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Kalahandi, Koraput, and Malkangiri, with gusts of 30–40 kmph.
Other districts, including Cuttack, Puri, Khurda, and Ganjam, are likely to experience rain and thundershowers.
The IMD forecast suggests that thunderstorm activity will peak between March 22–23, before subsiding on March 23–24, when isolated light rain may occur in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, and Balasore. Most other regions are expected to remain dry.
Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious, avoid open areas during lightning, and follow official weather updates for safety.