Thunderstorms and Rain Bring Relief, Heatwave Conditions Persist

Bhubaneswar: Thunderstorms and rain in parts of Odisha on Thursday night provided much-needed relief from the ongoing heatwave and humid weather. However, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Bhubaneswar has indicated that these grueling conditions will likely persist for another 48 hours.The IMD reported that the monsoon arrived in Odisha on June 8, initially covering parts of Malkangiri district. Despite a slow progression, conditions are now favorable for the southwest monsoon to advance further into the state.For Friday, the IMD forecasts thunderstorms and rain across several districts. Additionally, a yellow alert for heatwave conditions has been issued for Bargarh, Sonepur, and Boudh districts. Hot and humid weather is expected to continue in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, and Sambalpur.Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds (30-40 kmph) may occur in Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Angul, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Sambalpur, Kendrapara, Bolangir, Boudh, Nuapada, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Ganjam, and Gajapati on Friday.For June 15, similar conditions are expected in Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Ganjam, Gajapati, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Angul, and Dhenkanal. On June 16, thunderstorms and gusty winds may affect Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Ganjam, Gajapati, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nuapada, Balangir, Boudh, and Sonepur.