Orange Alert Issued for Odisha as Thunderstorms and Gusty Winds Expected

Bhubaneswar: With unstable weather conditions brewing, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded an Orange Alert for multiple districts in Odisha, warning of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and strong winds. The alert, issued for April 12, urges residents to remain cautious as intermittent rain and thunder activity are expected to continue across the state until April 18.

As per the IMD’s latest bulletin, thunderstorm activity is expected primarily in the afternoon and evening hours. Light to moderate rainfall or thundershowers are likely in districts including Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Angul, Dhenkanal, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Ganjam, Gajapati, and Nabarangpur. The remaining regions of Odisha are expected to remain largely dry.

Areas Under High Alert:
An Orange Warning has been issued for Koraput, Rayagada, Malkangiri, Gajapati, Ganjam, and Kandhamal districts, where thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 50–60 kmph are anticipated.

Meanwhile, a Yellow Warning has been issued for Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Angul, Dhenkanal, Boudh, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Nabarangpur, and Kalahandi, where wind speeds may reach 40–50 kmph along with lightning.

On Sunday (April 13), the weather department has forecast continued rain and thunderstorm activity in several districts, especially in southern and interior Odisha. A Yellow Warning for wind speeds of 30–40 kmph and lightning has been extended to Mayurbhanj, Gajapati, Rayagada, and Koraput.

Forecast Ahead:
From April 15 to 18, scattered showers and thundershowers are likely to persist across many parts of the state, particularly during the post-noon hours. The IMD has cautioned residents in vulnerable regions to stay indoors during lightning events and follow safety guidelines.

Temperature Trend:
Daytime temperatures are expected to remain steady across Odisha for the next few days. However, isolated pockets, especially in Bolangir and Sundargarh, may see mercury levels soar to 40°C or above.