Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather alert for Odisha, forecasting a spell of rain, thunderstorms, and lightning across several districts starting Saturday, March 7, 2026. This shift in weather is attributed to an upper air cyclonic circulation currently positioned over North Odisha and adjoining Gangetic West Bengal, along with a trough line extending through the region.
According to the Regional Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar, the state is expected to witness unstable weather conditions for the next three to four days. For Saturday, a yellow warning has been issued for 12 districts, including Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Cuttack, and Khordha. These areas may experience light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30 to 40 kmph.
The intensity of the weather system is expected to peak on Sunday, March 8. The IMD has upgraded the alert level to orange for four specific districts: Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, and Balasore. Residents in these locations should prepare for heavier rainfall and stronger gusty winds reaching up to 40 to 50 kmph. Simultaneously, a yellow warning remains in place for 24 other districts, indicating widespread atmospheric instability.
Parallel to the rain forecast, the IMD has also noted that hot and humid conditions will persist in 11 coastal districts, including Ganjam, Puri, and Jagatsinghpur, where temperatures have recently hovered between 35 and 38 degrees Celsius. The upcoming rain and nor’wester (Kalbaisakhi) activity may provide temporary relief from the rising heat, though the weather office predicts a further rise in mercury by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius once the system clears after March 10.
Safety advisories have been issued urging citizens to seek safe shelter during lightning activity and avoid standing under trees or near electric poles. Farmers are also advised to take necessary precautions for standing crops and regulated harvesting where possible.