IMD Forecasts Rain in Odisha Next Week Amid Scorching Heatwave

Bhubaneswar: As Odisha grapples with a severe heatwave, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted rainfall in several parts of the state next week, bringing some relief from the sweltering conditions.

According to Manorama Mohanty, Director of the Meteorological Centre, Bhubaneswar, light to moderate rain or thundershowers are expected at isolated places in Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Balasore and Bhadrak on March 19. Similar weather conditions are likely to persist in these districts on March 20 and 21.

The IMD has also issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms with lightning in select areas. On March 20, one or two places in Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Balasore, Bhadrak and Jajpur may experience rain or thundershowers. Likewise, rainfall is forecast in Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Jharsuguda, Deogarh and Sambalpur on March 21.

Despite the expected showers, dry weather is likely to prevail across the rest of the state. The IMD has indicated that day temperatures will remain steady for the next 3-4 days before dropping by 2-4°C. Night temperatures are predicted to remain stable over the next five days.