Bhubaneswar: In a major relief from the scorching heat, temperatures across Odisha have dropped significantly following widespread thunderstorm activities. Several parts of the state recorded maximum temperatures below 40 degrees Celsius on Thursday.
According to the latest observations, Malkangiri recorded the highest maximum temperature of 39.8 degrees Celsius, while Hirakud, Sambalpur, Titilagarh, Jharsuguda, and Phulbani hovered around 39 degrees Celsius.
The India Meteorological Department has issued thunderstorm alerts for several districts in the afternoon and evening hours. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty surface winds reaching 40-50 km/h are very likely to occur at one or two places over Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundergarh, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nuapada, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Deogarh, Bargarh, Angul, Sonepur, Boudh, and Balangir.
Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty surface winds reaching 30-40 km/h are also likely to occur at one or two places over Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Dhenkanal, Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri.
On Friday, thunderstorms with lightning and gusty surface winds reaching 40-50 km/h are expected at one or two places over Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore, Bhadrak, Sundergarh, Ganjam, and Gajapati. Additionally, thunderstorms with lightning and gusty surface winds reaching 30-40 km/h are likely at one or two places over Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri.
Residents in the affected districts are advised to remain cautious of lightning, strong winds, and potential localized damage to loose structures. Farmers and outdoor workers should take necessary precautions during the afternoon and evening hours. The thunderstorm activity is expected to provide further relief from the heat in the coming days.
