After days of intense heat and uncomfortable humidity, Odisha may finally get relief as the southwest monsoon is expected to enter the state within the next week. Weather experts have estimated that the monsoon could reach Odisha around June 14-15, bringing widespread rainfall and a significant drop in temperatures.
The forecast comes amid continuing heatwave conditions across several parts of the state. However, a powerful Kalbaisakhi thunderstorm that swept through Bhubaneswar on Saturday brought much-needed respite to residents, causing temperatures in the capital city to plunge by nearly 14 degrees Celsius.
Heatwave and Humid Conditions Continue
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave warning for Khordha and Koraput districts for the next 24 hours. Additionally, 15 districts across coastal and interior Odisha have been placed under a warning for hot and humid weather conditions.
A yellow warning has also been issued for Bolangir district due to the possibility of warm night conditions. According to the weather department, heat and humidity are likely to persist until June 8, while temperatures may rise by another 2 to 3 degrees Celsius over the next three days.
Thunderstorm Alert for 24 Districts
Despite the prevailing heat, the IMD has forecast thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 kmph in 24 districts of the state. Yellow warnings have been issued for these districts, excluding Nuapada, Bolangir, Sonepur, Boudh, Kandhamal and Kalahandi.
Weather officials have also predicted continued Kalbaisakhi activity across various parts of Odisha until June 10.
Bhubaneswar Records Dramatic Temperature Drop
The capital city witnessed severe heat stress during the morning hours on Saturday. At around 5:30 am, Bhubaneswar recorded a temperature of 30.8°C with humidity levels touching 87 percent, making conditions feel as hot as 47°C. By 8:30 am, the mercury had already climbed to 33°C.
However, a strong Kalbaisakhi storm struck the city in the afternoon, bringing heavy rain and powerful winds. Several trees and electric poles were uprooted in different areas. Following the storm, the temperature dropped sharply from around 40°C to 26°C, providing significant relief to residents.
Several Places Cross 40°C Mark
Before the thunderstorm activity, many parts of Odisha continued to experience extreme heat. Ten locations recorded temperatures above 40°C on Saturday.
Boudh emerged as the hottest place in the state at 41.9°C, followed by Titlagarh at 41.7°C. Nayagarh and Bhawanipatna recorded 41.5°C each, while Talcher touched 41°C. Temperatures in Bolangir, Bhubaneswar, Sambalpur, Sonepur and Dhenkanal also remained above the 40°C mark.
Several other locations across the state recorded temperatures between 37°C and 39°C.
Monsoon Expected Around June 14-15
According to meteorologist Dr. Sarat Chandra Sahu, northwesterly hot winds may continue to affect Odisha until June 10, keeping temperatures elevated. Heatwave-like conditions could persist until June 11 or 12 in some regions.
However, coastal Odisha is expected to witness a gradual reduction in heat from June 9 onwards. If current weather patterns continue, the southwest monsoon is likely to make its onset over Odisha around June 14 or 15.
The anticipated arrival of the monsoon is expected to bring widespread rainfall and offer much-needed relief from the prolonged spell of summer heat that has affected large parts of the state over the past several weeks.