The state of Odisha is a very sensitive region for high-impact weather activity during pre-monsoon season. Untimely, hailstorms and gale-speed winds at regular intervals remain the hallmark, more so for the interior parts of the state. Last Sunday, 23rd April, the border district of Nabarangpur was lashed by a severe thunderstorm accompanied by hailstones and strong gusty winds.
Seven villages came under the severe attack of inclement weather, more on account of hailstorms and stormy conditions. Many of the trees fell or got uprooted. Weak structures collapsed and roofs of 'kutcha' houses were blown away. Standing crops got lodged and literally flattened resulting in damage, more severely in these seven villages.
The situation is building up again for thunderstorms and lightning over the next 3 days. The weather activity may resume again after a short break and is likely to extend to the starting days of May. Intensity and spread may be more during the fag end of April and the beginning of May.
A cyclonic circulation is marked over central parts of Madhya Pradesh. An anticyclone over the Bay of Bengal is pumping moist air along the coast and inland. Under the influence of these systems, two different types of airmasses, dry and moist, are meeting resulting in convergence. Such conditions augur well for tall convective clouds with extremely low temperatures in the top levels, generating hailstones.
Unlike last time, southern parts of the state become more vulnerable to intense weather activity. Gajapati, Ganjam, Brahmapur, Cuttack, Nayagarh, Rayagada, Khordha and Dhenkanal are at bigger risk of getting lashed with harsh weather conditions, albeit not simultaneously. Most of the activity will occur towards the later part of the day and early night. Exercise caution for any unwarranted exposure during the stormy conditions in the respective pockets.
