Odisha is bracing for a spell of intense summer storms, locally known as Kalbaisakhi or Nor’wester storms, which are expected to offer brief relief from the searing heatwave sweeping the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange and yellow alerts for several districts, warning of thunderstorms, lightning, strong winds, and even hail in some regions.
Storm Alerts Issued Across Odisha
On Monday, the IMD’s Bhubaneswar regional center issued warnings of severe thunderstorms across multiple districts. These storms are expected to be accompanied by:
- Lightning
- Wind speeds reaching 50–60 kmph
- Occasional hailstorms
Orange Alert (Severe Weather) for:
- Jharsuguda
- Sambalpur
- Sundargarh
- Deogarh
- Angul
- Keonjhar
- Mayurbhanj
- Balasore
An orange alert signals the potential for intense weather events that could cause damage or disruption. Residents in these areas are advised to stay indoors and avoid travel during storm hours.
Yellow Alert (Be Aware) for:
- Balasore
- Bhadrak
- Jajpur
- Kendrapara
- Cuttack
- Khorda
- Puri
- Nayagarh
- Ganjam
- Gajapati
These districts could experience thunderstorms with wind speeds up to 40–50 kmph and frequent lightning. The yellow alert serves as an early warning for potential disruption and public safety measures.
Heatwave Still a Concern
While the Kalbaisakhi storms offer temporary cooling, much of Odisha is still struggling under persistent heatwave conditions:
- Daytime temperatures in many interior districts are hovering between 39°C and 42°C.
- Some pockets have even recorded temperatures above 42°C.
- According to the IMD, above-normal temperatures and more heatwave days are expected in April, May, and June.
So, although the weather might cool briefly during the storms, the heat will likely return quickly.
What to Expect in the Coming Days
The IMD forecasts that:
- Kalbaisakhi storms will continue until April 17, providing short-term relief.
- After April 17, weather conditions will stabilize, but high temperatures will persist.
- Another heatwave spell may follow soon afterward.
Government Advisory and Safety Measures
In response to the heatwave:
- The Odisha government has rescheduled school and office timings to reduce exposure to peak afternoon heat.
- Residents have been advised to:
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid going outdoors between 11 AM and 4 PM
- Wear light clothing and use umbrellas or hats if going out
While the Kalbaisakhi season is a natural relief mechanism during the harsh summer months in eastern India, its unpredictability and intensity require careful monitoring. Stay updated with the latest alerts from the IMD and follow local advisories to stay safe from both storms and heat-related illnesses.
