Odisha is set to witness a challenging weather pattern over the next seven days, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting an alarming combination of severe heatwave conditions, thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds and hot-and-humid weather across several districts of the state.

The latest weather bulletin has placed multiple districts under Red, Orange and Yellow warnings, indicating the possibility of extreme weather events ranging from dangerous heatwaves in western Odisha to intense thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds in several northern, central and coastal districts.

The forecast suggests that while parts of Odisha will continue to reel under scorching temperatures, several other regions are likely to experience thunderstorms and rainfall activity, especially during afternoon and evening hours.

Red Warning Issued for Severe Heatwave

The IMD has issued a Red Warning — the highest level of weather alert — for Boudh and Bolangir districts on Day 1, warning of severe heatwave conditions at isolated places.

The Red Warning indicates a serious threat to public health, especially for vulnerable groups including children, elderly persons, pregnant women and those suffering from existing medical conditions. The weather office has advised residents to avoid stepping outdoors during peak afternoon hours between 11 AM and 3 PM.

The intense heatwave situation is expected to continue for multiple days. Both Boudh and Bolangir remain under Orange Warning for heatwave conditions from Day 2 to Day 3 as temperatures are likely to stay significantly above normal.

According to the advisory, prolonged exposure to heat could trigger dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and even heatstroke in severe cases.

Orange Warning for Thunderstorms and Heatwave

Apart from the severe heatwave alert, the IMD has also issued Orange Warnings for thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and strong gusty winds reaching speeds of 50–60 kmph in several districts.

Day 1: Thunderstorm Alert

Districts likely to witness intense thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds include:

Angul

Dhenkanal

Sundargarh

Mayurbhanj

Keonjhar

Gajapati

Ganjam

The thunderstorms are expected mainly during afternoon and evening hours.

Simultaneously, Nuapada and Kalahandi districts have been placed under Orange Warning for heatwave conditions.

Day 4: Strong Thunderstorm Activity Intensifies

On Day 4, the weather system is likely to become more active, with the following districts under Orange Warning for thunderstorms with winds reaching 50–60 kmph:

Sundargarh
Deogarh
Keonjhar
Mayurbhanj
Angul
Dhenkanal
Balasore
Bhadrak
Jajpur
Kendrapara
Cuttack
Jagatsinghpur

The forecast indicates possible damage to banana plantations, horticulture crops and standing paddy due to strong winds and lightning activity.

Day 5: Northern Odisha Under Fresh Orange Alert

On Day 5, the Orange Warning zone shifts towards western and northern Odisha, covering:

Sundargarh
Jharsuguda
Bargarh
Sambalpur
Deogarh
Angul
Dhenkanal
Keonjhar
Mayurbhanj

These districts are likely to witness thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching up to 60 kmph.

Yellow Warning Across Coastal and Interior Odisha

A widespread Yellow Warning has been issued for multiple districts over the next week, indicating moderate weather threats including thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds, hot-and-humid conditions and warm nights.

Thunderstorm and Lightning Threat

Several districts including Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Koraput, Rayagada, Malkangiri and Ganjam are likely to experience thunderstorms with wind speeds between 30 and 50 kmph on different days.

The IMD warned that lightning strikes could pose risks to people working outdoors, especially farmers and daily wage labourers.

Hot and Humid Conditions

The coastal belt is expected to face uncomfortable hot-and-humid weather conditions over the coming days. Districts likely to be affected include:

Balasore
Bhadrak
Jajpur
Kendrapara
Cuttack
Jagatsinghpur
Puri
Khordha
Nayagarh
Ganjam
Gajapati
Sambalpur
Sonepur
Bargarh
Koraput
Malkangiri
Rayagada

High humidity combined with elevated temperatures is expected to increase discomfort levels significantly.

Warm Night Conditions

The IMD has also warned of “warm night conditions” in Bolangir and Sambalpur districts, where night-time temperatures are likely to remain unusually high, offering little relief from daytime heat.

Rainfall Activity Likely Across Odisha

Despite prevailing heatwave conditions, light to moderate rainfall and thunderstorms are likely to occur in several districts over the next seven days.

From Day 4 onward, rainfall activity is expected to intensify over northern, western and coastal Odisha, particularly in districts such as:

Sundargarh
Sambalpur
Keonjhar
Mayurbhanj
Balasore
Bhadrak
Jajpur
Kendrapara
Cuttack
Ganjam
Puri
Khordha

The IMD noted that rain-bearing thunderclouds may provide temporary relief from heat in some areas, although humidity levels are expected to rise simultaneously.

Potential Impact on Agriculture and Public Life

The weather department has warned that strong winds and thunderstorms could cause:

Damage to standing crops and horticulture plantations
Minor destruction to banana trees
Localised disruption in transport and power supply
Increased risk of lightning-related incidents

Meanwhile, the ongoing heatwave may adversely impact outdoor workers, school-going children and elderly residents.

IMD Advisory and Safety Measures

The IMD has urged people to take precautionary measures to avoid heat-related illnesses and thunderstorm hazards.

Heatwave Safety Guidelines

Authorities have advised residents to:

Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight
Stay indoors during peak afternoon hours
Drink sufficient water even if not thirsty
Use ORS, lemon water, buttermilk and other fluids for hydration
Wear lightweight, loose cotton clothing
Use umbrellas, hats or wet cloths while outdoors
Schedule strenuous outdoor activities during cooler hours
Thunderstorm Precautions

During thunderstorms, people have been advised to:

Avoid taking shelter under trees
Stay away from electric poles and water bodies
Disconnect electrical appliances during lightning activity
Move indoors immediately if strong winds develop

With multiple districts simultaneously facing heatwave conditions and thunderstorm risks, authorities are expected to closely monitor the evolving weather situation and issue further advisories if required.