Bhubaneswar: An unstable weather system is taking hold over Odisha, driven by advancing monsoon dynamics and active cyclonic circulations, according to the latest afternoon bulletin from the India Meteorological Department’s Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar.
The Northern Limit of Monsoon is currently passing through key areas including Paradip and Baripada. Conditions remain highly favorable for the southwest monsoon to make further advancements into more parts of Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh over the next four to five days. This movement is supported by an active cyclonic circulation over south coastal Odisha and adjoining north coastal Andhra Pradesh, extending up to 3.1 kilometers above sea level, along with an associated trough stretching down to south Tamil Nadu.
Recent weather patterns show light to moderate rainfall and thunderstorms across many parts of coastal and interior Odisha. Severe downpours were officially recorded in isolated pockets, with Bolagarh in Khordha and Tigiria in Cuttack both registering 9 cm of rain, while Bhuban in Dhenkanal recorded 8 cm.
Tragically, local media reports indicate that recent severe lightning strikes across the state have claimed seven lives and left two individuals injured. The fatalities include three individuals from Cuttack district, and one each from Sonepur, Boudh, Dhenkanal, and Kendrapara districts.
In terms of temperature, Boudh recorded the state’s highest maximum temperature at 42.8 degrees Celsius, while Phulbani recorded the lowest minimum at 21.5 degrees Celsius. For the capital city of Bhubaneswar, the maximum temperature reached 39.0 degrees Celsius with a high relative humidity peaking at 87 percent, making conditions notably oppressive.
Looking ahead, a series of warnings have been issued for the state. An orange warning is in place for Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts, where heavy rainfall is expected alongside lightning and gusty surface winds reaching speeds of 50 to 60 kmph. A similar high-wind warning, without the heavy rain clause, covers districts like Balasore, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Sonepur, Nuapada, and Bolangir.
Meanwhile, a yellow warning for thunderstorms, lightning, and winds of 40 to 50 kmph has been activated for numerous districts, including Cuttack, Puri, Khordha, and Ganjam. Residents in coastal pockets like Bhadrak, Jajpur, and Kendrapara are also advised to prepare for hot and humid conditions that will elevate discomfort levels. Furthermore, isolated heavy rainfall is predicted specifically for Kandhamal and Rayagada.
Fishermen have been issued a strict safety advisory for north coastal Odisha and its adjoining sea. Squally weather with wind speeds of 40 to 50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph, is heavily anticipated, creating rough to very rough sea conditions. Individuals are strongly advised against venturing into the sea during this period.
The meteorological department advises the public to stay indoors during bad weather, secure doors and windows, unplug electronic equipment, and avoid taking shelter under trees or standing near water bodies during active lightning storms.