Bhubaneswar, Feb 23: A low-pressure area formed over the southwest Bay of Bengal has become well-marked and is likely to move in a west-northwest direction, the Meteorological Department said on Sunday. Under its influence, thunderstorms accompanied by light rain are expected in at least 15 districts of Odisha on Monday.

The districts likely to be affected include Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Khordha, Puri, Keonjhar, Jajpur and Kalahandi. Gusty winds with speeds of 30 to 40 kmph may also accompany the thunderstorms in several parts of north and south Odisha.

On Tuesday (24th), light rain with thunderstorms is likely in Mayurbhanj, Jajpur and Cuttack, with wind speeds again expected to reach 30–40 kmph. Light rainfall is also forecast in Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Mayurbhanj, Khordha and Puri.

The forecast has raised concerns among farmers, as paddy continues to lie in procurement mandis across several districts. Due to various logistical issues, the harvested crop has not been lifted and remains exposed in the open. In Balasore and Bhadrak alone, more than 50,000 farmers are yet to sell their paddy at the mandis. Many farmers are waiting for the lifting process to begin, and even light rain could result in substantial losses.

Meanwhile, day temperatures are on the rise across the state, with intense heat being felt in several areas. Jharsuguda recorded the highest maximum temperature at 36.6°C, followed by Paralakhemundi at 36.5°C and Bhubaneswar at 35.7°C. Titilagarh, Bhadrak, Talcher, Baripada and Bhawanipatna recorded 35°C each, while most other places reported temperatures between 32°C and 34°C.