India, Oct. 9 -- India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for 13 districts of Odisha, warning of thunderstorms, lightning and rain as the southwest monsoon begins withdrawing from the state.

The warning covers parts of northern, coastal and southern Odisha for Friday. Some places in the alerted districts may experience thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30 to 40 kmph. No weather alert has been issued for any district for Saturday.

Monsoon Withdrawal Begins In Odisha The southwest monsoon has started retreating from Odisha, with the withdrawal process gathering pace across several districts. On Thursday, the monsoon withdrew from most parts of Bargarh district.

It has also re...