Bhubaneswar, Mar 7: The Meteorological Department has forecast thunderstorms and rain across Odisha over the next three days, with the possibility of hailstorms in several districts. Rainfall is expected in parts of coastal, interior, and northern Odisha until March 9 (Monday).

According to the weather department, a cyclonic circulation has formed over northwest Odisha and adjoining regions. Under the influence of Kalbaisakhi (nor’wester) conditions, several parts of the state may experience rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms.

An Orange Warning has been issued for Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Balasore, and Sundargarh districts for Saturday and Sunday, where thunderstorms with hailstorms are likely. Wind speeds in these areas may reach 40–50 km per hour.

Thunderstorms with the possibility of hail are also expected in Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Puri, Khordha, Nayagarh, Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Kandhamal, and Kalahandi.

On March 9, districts including Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, and Jagatsinghpur may again witness thunderstorms accompanied by hail.

While rain is expected in some areas during the afternoon on Saturday, the weather department said people may continue to experience intense heat and humidity during the daytime. Districts such as Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khordha, Nayagarh, Ganjam, and Gajapati are likely to face uncomfortable heat and sultry conditions.