A sudden change in weather brought much-needed relief to residents across Odisha as thunderstorms, rain, and gusty winds swept through several districts after days of intense heat.
Sudden Weather Shift After Scorching Heat
The day began with extreme heat conditions, leaving people struggling under rising temperatures. However, by afternoon, dark clouds covered the sky, followed by heavy rainfall, lightning, and thunder, significantly cooling down the atmosphere.
Wind speeds in several areas ranged between 40 to 50 kmph, adding intensity to the stormy conditions.
Widespread Rainfall Across Districts
Several districts including Bhubaneswar, Nayagarh, Khordha, Cuttack, Puri, Ganjam, Balasore, Bhadrak, Rayagada, Dhenkanal, and Angul witnessed heavy rain accompanied by lightning and thunder.
According to weather data, Bhubaneswar recorded 7.2 mm rainfall, Puri 7.1 mm, Rayagada 31.6 mm, Dhenkanal 27.6 mm, Angul 10 mm, and Khordha 32 mm.
Lightning Strikes Claim Two Lives
Tragically, lightning strikes led to the death of one person in Nayagarh and another in Khalikote area of Ganjam district. The incidents have raised concerns over safety during thunderstorm activity.
Orange Warning Issued for Several Districts
The India Meteorological Department has issued an Orange Warning for districts including Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore, and Bhadrak, forecasting heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds over the next two days.
Thunderstorm activity is also expected in Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Ganjam, Gajapati, and Rayagada.
Kalbaisakhi Likely to Continue Till April 10
Weather experts predict that Kalbaisakhi (nor’wester) conditions will persist until April 10, bringing afternoon thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds across the state.
Coastal Odisha is also likely to experience similar weather disturbances till April 9.
Heat and Atmospheric Conditions Behind Storms
Meteorologists attribute the sudden weather changes to intense heating over the Chotanagpur plateau, which is triggering strong convective activity. As a result, mornings are expected to remain hot, while afternoons may witness sudden storms with lightning and high-speed winds.
Authorities have advised people to remain cautious during lightning and avoid open areas during thunderstorms.