BHUBANESWAR: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Yellow Warning for several districts of Odisha, forecasting thunderstorms, lightning activity and gusty winds across the state till May 17.
According to the weather department, thunderstorm activity is expected to intensify mainly during afternoon and evening hours, with light to moderate rainfall likely in as many as 22 districts during different phases of the weather system.
Districts likely to be affected include Bhubaneswar, Puri, Cuttack, Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Ganjam, Koraput, Rayagada, Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar among others.
The IMD has warned that wind speeds may reach 40–50 kmph in districts such as Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore and Sundargarh, while many coastal and southern districts could experience winds of 30–40 kmph.
Meteorologists said the weather activity is being influenced by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal region, which is increasing moisture inflow and atmospheric instability across eastern India.
Authorities have advised residents to avoid open fields during lightning activity, stay away from trees and electric poles, secure loose outdoor objects and avoid unnecessary travel during severe thunderstorms.
Farmers have also been advised to protect harvested crops and postpone pesticide spraying and other field operations during the alert period.
-OdishaAge
