Bhubaneswar, June 17 -- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread rain and thunderstorm activity across Odisha over the next five days, issuing an Orange Warning for 21 districts on the first day of the forecast period due to the likelihood of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty surface winds reaching 50-60 kmph.

According to the latest weather bulletin, light to moderate rain or thunderstorms are likely at a few places across all districts of the state. The most severe weather conditions are expected till the morning of June 17, when several coastal, southern, and interior districts may experience strong thunderstorms and squally winds.

The IMD has placed Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Jagat...