Bhubaneswar, May 18: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported further advancement of the southwest monsoon over parts of the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and the Andaman region, bringing increased chances of rainfall and thunderstorms across Odisha over the next few days.
According to the Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar, weather conditions remain favourable for the monsoon to progress further into additional areas of the southeast Arabian Sea, the Comorin region, and the east-central Bay of Bengal within the next three to four days. The IMD has also indicated that the monsoon is expected to reach Kerala around May 26.
Several districts in Odisha have already experienced light to moderate rainfall, particularly in parts of Ganjam, Rayagada, Nayagarh, and Mayurbhanj. Rainfall activity was reported from areas such as Sheragada, Aska, Madhabarida, and Sankheimundi.
Amid changing weather conditions, Boudh recorded the highest daytime temperature in the state at 42.9°C, while Rayagada registered the lowest minimum temperature at 22.6°C.
The IMD has forecast rain and thunderstorm activity in districts including Balasore, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Puri, Khurda, Ganjam, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Koraput, and Malkangiri during the next 24 hours.
A yellow warning has been issued for several districts due to the likelihood of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of up to 40–50 kmph. The affected districts may include Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Balasore, Bhadrak, Ganjam, Gajapati, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Rayagada, and Koraput.
Additionally, orange warnings have been issued for May 20 and 21 in districts such as Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, and Kendrapara, where stronger thunderstorms and wind speeds reaching up to 60 kmph are expected.
The weather department has cautioned that strong winds and lightning may cause damage to crops, plantations, temporary structures, and weak housing in vulnerable areas.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors during thunderstorm activity, avoid open fields and trees, unplug electrical appliances during lightning, and remain cautious near water bodies and metal objects.
The IMD also noted that while there may not be any major change in maximum temperatures over the next two days, a gradual increase of 2–3°C is likely later in the week.