Bhubaneswar: The current weather in Odisha is characterized by a sharp contrast between western heat and coastal instability. According to the India Meteorological Department, a deep trough line stretching from Gangetic West Bengal to south Tamil Nadu is the primary driver of these conditions.
The India Meteorological Department has extended weather warnings for several districts as a trough from West Bengal to Tamil Nadu and a cyclonic circulation over north Odisha continue to trigger unstable conditions. While western districts like Sambalpur and Titlagarh are recording temperatures near 40°C, a significant portion of the state is bracing for intensified Nor’wester activity.
An Orange Warning remains in effect for Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore, and Bhadrak, where residents should prepare for thunderstorms, lightning, and hail with wind speeds of 50 to 60 kmph. Additionally, a Yellow Warning covers Sundargarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, and Nayagarh for winds reaching 40 to 50 kmph. Coastal districts including Cuttack, Puri, and Khurda are also likely to experience lightning and moderate winds.
In Bhubaneswar, the sky is expected to remain partly cloudy with a high of 36°C and chances of afternoon thundershowers. Squally winds have already been recorded in the capital at 56 kmph. While maximum temperatures will remain stable for the next 72 hours, a gradual rise of 2 to 3°C is anticipated starting in early April. Authorities have cautioned against taking shelter under trees during storms and advised farmers to protect standing crops and orchards from potential wind damage.
In Western Odisha, districts including Sambalpur, Sundargarh, and Jharsuguda are experiencing daytime temperatures reaching 40°C. Titilagarh recently recorded the state high of 39.5°C. These blistering conditions are expected to persist until approximately April 1, when the current weather system is forecast to weaken and return temperatures to near-normal levels.
Meanwhile, an Orange Warning remains in place for Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore, and Bhadrak districts until the morning of March 29. These areas are at risk of severe thunderstorms, lightning, and hail, with wind speeds potentially reaching 50 to 60 km per hour. A Yellow Warning for lighter thunderstorms and wind speeds of 40 to 50 km per hour covers Sundargarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, and Nayagarh.
Authorities have advised residents to stay indoors during lightning and avoid taking shelter under trees. Fishermen are specifically cautioned against venturing into the sea along the north Odisha coast due to rough conditions and squally winds.