Several parts of Odisha are likely to witness a mix of severe heat wave conditions, warm nights and thunderstorms with lightning over the next seven days, according to the latest weather forecast issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). While many districts are expected to receive light to moderate rain and thunderstorms, the state will continue to reel under intense heat and humid weather conditions.

The IMD has issued an Orange Warning for districts including Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghapur and Mayurbhanj for May 21 and 22, warning of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 50-60 kmph during afternoon and evening hours. 

Several other districts including Cuttack, Ganjam, Khordha, Puri, Rayagada and Koraput have been placed under Yellow Warning for thunderstorms with wind speeds between 30 and 50 kmph.

At the same time, heat wave conditions are expected to prevail in isolated pockets of Bhadrak, Jajpur, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Angul, Nayagarh, Boudh, Bolangir and adjoining districts over the next few days. 

The IMD has also warned of warm night conditions in districts such as Sambalpur, Bolangir and Sundargarh, leading to discomfort even after sunset.

Hot and humid weather is likely to continue in coastal and western Odisha districts including Balasore, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghapur, Cuttack, Puri, Khurda, Ganjam and Kalahandi. The weather agency has advised people to remain alert, avoid unnecessary exposure to heat during daytime and take precautions against lightning and strong winds during thunderstorm activity.