Bhubaneswar: The weather office on Thursday forecast light to moderate rainfall or thundershower activity at a few places across the state likely during the next 24 hours. Rainfall activity is expected to intensify and become more widespread from Friday, covering many districts and contributing to a gradual moderation in daytime temperatures.In its latest bulletin, India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange warning for thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty surface winds reaching speeds of 50-60kmph in 12 districts.According to the IMD, a likely formation of an upper-air cyclonic circulation over north and adjoining central Bay of Bengal next week is expected to create favourable conditions for further advancement of southwest monsoon across Odisha and adjoining regions. A yellow warning has been issued for several districts, including Cuttack, Khurda, Puri, Angul, Dhenkanal, Sambalpur, Bargarh and Jharsuguda, where thunderstorms with lightning and wind speeds of 40-50kmph are likely. In addition, the IMD has warned of heatwave conditions in isolated pockets of Sambalpur district, while hot and humid weather may continue in several coastal and southern districts despite the onset of pre-monsoon rainfall.On Thursday, Boudh recorded the highest maximum temperature in the state at 42.8 degrees Celsius, followed by Sambalpur at 40 degrees Celsius. Capital Bhubaneswar registered a maximum temperature of 38.9 degrees Celsius and received 3.4mm rainfall between 8.30am and 5.30pm, providing some relief from the prevailing heat. A forecast indicates a partly cloudy sky with the possibility of rain or thunderstorms during the next 24 hours. The city’s maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to hover around 39 and 27 degrees Celsius respectively.The IMD, meanwhile, has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea from June 18 to 22 because of expected squally weather. Wind speeds are likely to reach 40-50kmph, gusting up to 60kmph, while sea conditions are expected to remain rough to very rough, posing risks to marine activities.
