Odisha Braces for Intense Monsoon: Heavy Rainfall and Thunderstorms Expected

Severe Weather Forecast for Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for Odisha, predicting widespread thunderstorms and heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next five days as the southwest monsoon progresses into the region.

The forecast, effective from June 15 to 19, includes alerts for thunderstorms with lightning, gusty winds reaching 30–40 km/h, and significant rainfall across multiple districts. The IMD has categorized the warnings into Orange and Yellow levels, advising residents to remain vigilant and take appropriate safety measures.

The IMD noted that conditions are favorable for the southwest monsoon to extend into parts of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Gujarat within the next 24 hours.

Rainfall Predictions and Alerts:

Until 8:30 AM on June 16

Heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds is anticipated in Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Ganjam, Puri, Khurda, Nabarangpur, Mayurbhanj, and Jagatsinghpur districts.

Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds are also expected in Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Nayagarh, Keonjhar, and Malkangiri districts.

From 8:30 AM on June 16 to 8:30 AM on June 17

Orange Warning: Heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning with gusty winds are forecasted for Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Mayurbhanj, and Balasore districts.

Yellow Warning: Isolated heavy rain and thunderstorms are likely in Sambalpur, Deogarh, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Angul, Dhenkanal, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Kalahandi, Nuapada, and Bolangir districts.

From 8:30 AM on June 17 to 8:30 AM on June 18

Orange Warning: Similar severe weather conditions are expected in Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Bargarh, Jharsuguda, and Mayurbhanj districts.

Yellow Warning: Thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are likely in Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Angul, Sambalpur, and Deogarh districts, with additional stormy weather possible in Kandhamal, Kalahandi, and Malkangiri.

The IMD predicts a decrease in maximum daytime temperatures by 2-4 degrees Celsius over the next three days, with no significant changes expected thereafter.

Residents in the affected districts are advised to stay indoors during thunderstorms, avoid seeking shelter under trees, and steer clear of waterlogged areas.