Bhubaneswar, May 30: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast intense thunderstorm activity accompanied by lightning, strong gusty winds, hailstorms, and isolated heavy rainfall across several districts of Odisha over the next few days, prompting authorities to urge residents to remain alert.

In its midday weather bulletin issued at 2 pm on Friday, the Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre stated that the Southwest Monsoon has advanced further into parts of the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal and is likely to progress into more areas during the next four to five days.

For the next 24 hours, light to moderate rain or thundershowers are expected at several places across the state. An Orange Alert has been issued for Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj districts, where thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching 60–70 kmph are likely. Heavy rainfall along with hailstorms is also expected in Sundargarh and Keonjhar, while Mayurbhanj may witness isolated hailstorm activity.

The IMD has also issued Yellow Alerts for many coastal and interior districts, warning of thunderstorms with wind speeds of 40–50 kmph and hot, humid weather conditions in some coastal areas.

During the following days, districts including Nayagarh, Ganjam, Kandhamal, Gajapati, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj are likely to experience strong thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and gusty winds of up to 60 kmph.

The weather office has advised people to avoid open areas during thunderstorms, take shelter in safe structures, and remain cautious due to the possibility of lightning strikes, hail damage, and localized waterlogging.

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