Sambalpur, Odisha — An upper‑air cyclonic circulation has been affecting Odisha, positioned over the interior regions of the state at an altitude of 0.9 kilometres above mean sea level, and it has triggered thunderstorms and rainfall.

Background

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has been closely monitoring the system, which is expected to alter weather patterns across the state. The circulation has the potential to impact numerous districts, bringing a range of weather‑related hazards such as heavy rain, hail and strong gusts.

On 5 May 2026 the IMD issued several warnings for the coming days, urging residents to prepare. According to Vikash Sharma, a spokesperson for the IMD, light to moderate rain or thunderstorms were very likely in several districts of Odisha.

The forecast for Day 1 (valid until 08:30 IST, 5 May 2026) indicated thunderstorms with lightning, hailstorms, heavy rainfall and gusty winds of up to 50–60 km ph in one or two locations across Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore, Kandhamal, Ganjam and Gajapati. A yellow warning covered thunderstorms with lightning and gusts of 40–50 km ph in the afternoon/evening over Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khordha and Nayagarh. In addition, thunderstorms with winds of 30–40 km ph were likely over Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Sonepur, Boudh, Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi and Nabarangpur.

Community Impact

The system poses several risks, including lightning, hail, heavy rain, gusty winds, falling trees, damage to crops, power outages and localized flooding. Residents in areas under an orange warning have been advised to stay alert, remain indoors where possible, avoid non‑essential travel and unplug electrical appliances to reduce the risk of damage from lightning strikes.

Rural communities are particularly vulnerable because limited infrastructure can exacerbate the effects of power loss and flood damage. Agricultural fields, which form the livelihood of many households, may suffer from water‑logging and wind‑blown debris, potentially reducing yields. Local authorities have begun distributing sandbags and reinforcing vulnerable bridges to mitigate these impacts.

What Happens Next

As the situation unfolds, residents are advised to remain vigilant and follow instructions from local authorities. The IMD will continue to monitor the circulation and issue updates as necessary. For now, the people of Odisha are bracing for the potential impacts of this significant weather event.