Odisha Weather Update: IMD forecasts three-day thunderstorm spell, 25 districts on alert

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast thunderstorms and lightning across Odisha for three days till Sunday, prompting the state government to put at least 25 districts on alert. 

Light to moderate rainfall was reported in several areas, including Bhubaneswar and parts of north coastal Odisha, on Thursday morning.  

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Govt issues advisory; officials on standby 

The Special Relief Commissioner's (SRC) office, in a letter to district collectors, directed officials to keep the administrative machinery ready to handle any emergencies.  

"People are advised to keep a watch on the weather and take safe shelter during the thunderstorm activity to protect themselves from lightning and follow traffic advisories in urban areas," IMD said.

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Rainfall to continue till February 25

The weather office has also advised farmers to regulate harvesting activities and use hail nets to protect crops. The trough, stretching from north Bangladesh to Telangana across Gangetic West Bengal, interior Odisha, and south Chhattisgarh, is causing the adverse weather conditions.  

The IMD warned of minor damage to unsecured structures, banana plantations, and ripe paddy crops, especially in Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, and Angul districts.  

Light to moderate rain is expected to continue across Odisha till the morning of February 25. However, the night temperature is likely to remain steady over the next four to five days, the IMD added.