IMD Issues Weather Alert for Odisha: Thunderstorms, Heavy Rainfall Expected on March 19-20
Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather alert for Odisha, forecasting nor’wester rain accompanied by hailstorm and gusty winds on March 19-20. According to the midday bulletin released by IMD on Monday, moderate thunderstorm activity with lightning, gusty winds, hail, and heavy rainfall is anticipated during this period. This weather phenomenon is attributed to the likely interaction of the middle tropospheric westerly trough with lower-level moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal and a trough running from Jharkhand to north Coastal Andhra Pradesh across Odisha.
The IMD has predicted a significant decrease in day temperatures by 3-5 degrees Celsius across the state due to this weather system. Yellow warnings have been issued for thunderstorms with lightning and gusty surface wind speeds ranging from 30-40 kmph for various districts till 8:30 am on Tuesday. Additionally, orange warnings have been issued for thunderstorms with lightning, gusty winds, and heavy rainfall on March 19-20.
On March 19, thunderstorms with lightning, gusty winds, and hail are expected in several districts, with heavy rainfall predicted in specific areas. Similarly, on March 20, thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds are forecasted, along with heavy rainfall in certain districts.
The public has been advised to stay updated on weather forecasts and take necessary precautions during thunderstorm activity to avoid lightning strikes. Farmers are urged to regulate the harvesting of Rabi crops judicially and utilize hail nets to protect their vegetables and crops. While there are no further warnings, light to moderate rain may persist in some parts of the state over the next two days.
