Heatwave Alert for 6 Odisha Districts; Thunderstorm and Heavy Rain Likely Across State

IMD Issues Orange Alert for Western Odisha

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for severe heatwave conditions in six districts of Odisha for the next 24 hours. The districts under alert are Sambalpur, Sonepur, Boudh, Balangir, Nuapada, and Kalahandi. Jharsuguda has been placed under a Yellow Warning for heatwave conditions.

At the same time, the weather department has warned of hot and humid weather conditions in 11 coastal districts — Ganjam, Gajapati, Nayagarh, Khordha, Puri, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Jajpur, Bhadrak, and Balasore.

Thunderstorm and Rain Warning in 8 Districts

The IMD has also issued an Orange Alert for thunderstorm activity accompanied by lightning and rainfall in eight districts — Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Balasore, Mayurbhanj, and Keonjhar.

According to the forecast, Kalbaisakhi thunderstorms are expected to continue across Odisha till June 2. Heavy rainfall activity is likely on May 29 and 30.

Strong winds with speeds of 40 to 50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph, are expected along the northern coastal Odisha region. Due to rough sea conditions, fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea on May 28 and 29.

Kalbaisakhi Brings Relief from Scorching Heat

After nearly two weeks of intense heat and humidity, people across Odisha finally received some relief on Wednesday evening as Kalbaisakhi storms lashed several parts of the state.

Heavy rainfall and gusty winds brought down temperatures by 8 to 10 degrees Celsius within an hour in many places. Rain and thunderstorms were reported from Rourkela, Bhubaneswar, Berhampur, Cuttack, Puri, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Bhadrak, Boudh, Mayurbhanj, and Nuapada among others.

Damage Reported in Several Districts

Despite providing relief from the heat, the storms caused widespread damage in several areas and disrupted power supply.

In Athmallik area of Angul district, a woman died after a tree fell on her house during the storm.

In Keonjhar district, strong winds uprooted trees and electric poles. Areas including Keonjhar town, Jhumpara, Ghatgaon, and Patna block witnessed heavy rain, while some places also experienced hailstorms.

In Boudh district, a woman identified as Hemabati Sandha of Dumalapali village under Kantamal area sustained serious injuries after the wall of her house collapsed during the storm.

Impact on Jagannath Temple in Puri

The Kalbaisakhi storm also affected the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri. Due to strong winds, the sacred Patitapabana Bana flying atop the temple’s shrine was partially torn. Several decorative and “Manasika Bana” flags tied near the Nilachakra were also damaged in the storm.

The sudden change in weather has brought temporary relief to residents, but authorities continue to remain on alert as thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected to continue over the coming days.