On Saturday, pre-monsoon rains provided much-needed relief from the intense heat across various regions of Odisha, as reported by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

The IMD forecasts that heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms is expected to continue throughout the state until May 30, with temperatures remaining relatively stable.

According to Manorama Mohanty, director of the Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar, nearly all districts experienced overcast skies, with light to moderate rain in several areas and heavy showers in specific locations.

She noted that these weather patterns are anticipated to persist until May 30 due to a cyclonic circulation situated over the northern coastal region of Odisha.

Additionally, Mohanty indicated that a low-pressure system is expected to develop over the west-central Bay of Bengal around May 27.

From 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Koraput recorded 45 mm of rainfall, followed by Bhubaneswar with 37 mm, Angul at 36 mm, Khurda with 22 mm, Cuttack at 18.4 mm, and Talcher with 12.4 mm.

IMD scientist Umashankar Das explained that Odisha is experiencing these pre-monsoon showers following the arrival of the southwest monsoon in Kerala.

He clarified that the cloud formations causing the current rainfall are not moving in from the west or northwest, which is typical of Kalbaisakhi storms. Instead, they are advancing from the sea, aligning with the usual pre-monsoon pattern.

The IMD has advised residents to seek safe shelter during thunderstorms to protect themselves from lightning.