Bhubaneswar: The Meteorological Centre, Bhubaneswar has predicted heavy rains and lightning to occur in 16 districts in Odisha by 10 am today.

The districts which are likely to witness heavy rains and lightning include Sambalpur, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Balangir, Sonepur, Boudh, Kandhamal, Bargarh, Nuapada, Angul, Dhenkanal, Mayurbhaj, Kalahandi, Keonjhar

“Latest Doppler weather radar and satellite imageries indicate that thunderstorm accompanied with lightning and heavy rainfall likely to occur at one or two places over 16 districts of Odisha between 7.30 am and 10.30 am on Thursday,” said an official release.