India weather alerts issued for heat in Odisha and storms in northern states

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued widespread weather alerts across various Indian states as the southwest monsoon continues its withdrawal.

In Odisha, several regions are experiencing unseasonal heat. Puri recorded a maximum temperature of 36.6°C on October 5, marking its second-highest October temperature since records began in 1896. Bhubaneswar and Paradeep have also reported near-record high temperatures for the month. However, thunderstorms and gusty winds are expected to hit several Odisha districts between October 7 and 8, with a potential low-pressure system forming in the Bay of Bengal around October 13.

Northern India faces unsettled weather, with warnings for thunderstorms, lightning, and heavy rain in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi-NCR. In Himachal Pradesh, a yellow alert has been issued for several districts, with the possibility of snow in higher elevations.

In Madhya Pradesh, the transition from monsoon is causing significant temperature fluctuations, with hot, humid days and cooler nights. Meanwhile, parts of southern India, including Tamil Nadu, are also under alerts for heavy rainfall and strong winds.