Bhubaneswar: A major weather shift is anticipated across Odisha starting today, offering respite from the intense heat. The effects of Kalbaisakhi storms will persist for six days until May 4, impacting several districts with rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds.

The Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for four districts: Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore, and Bhadrak. These areas are likely to experience severe thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 50 to 60 km per hour.

The Kalbaisakhi activity is expected to provide temporary relief from the sweltering heat that has enveloped the state. However, western Odisha continues to suffer from extreme temperatures. Jharsuguda recorded a season-high of 45.3 degrees Celsius, marking the first time this year that temperatures have exceeded 45 degrees.

Additionally, at least 10 cities across Odisha reported temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius, highlighting the severity of the ongoing heatwave conditions in the region.