Despite the arrival of the Southwest Monsoon over Kerala, Odisha continues to experience intense summer heat, with soaring temperatures and high humidity making conditions increasingly uncomfortable across the state. While thunderstorms and Kalbaisakhi activity are providing temporary relief in some areas, the heat and sultry weather remain a major concern.
Bhubaneswar Records Severe Heat Stress
The capital city, Bhubaneswar, witnessed a sharp rise in temperature on Thursday. By 11 a.m., the mercury had already climbed to 38°C, and by 2:30 p.m., it reached 41°C.
However, the actual discomfort was far greater due to high humidity levels. At 11 a.m., the relative humidity stood at 47 percent, making the temperature feel like 47°C. Similarly, at around 11:30 a.m., humidity levels of 38 percent resulted in a heat index close to 50°C, creating extremely oppressive conditions for residents.
Southwest Monsoon Advances Further
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Southwest Monsoon is steadily advancing across the country.
On Thursday, the monsoon progressed into parts of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, along with additional areas of the Arabian Sea. Weather conditions remain favourable for its further advance into the central Arabian Sea, Goa, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and adjoining regions of the Bay of Bengal.
Meteorologists have also indicated that conditions are conducive for the monsoon to advance into the northeastern states over the next two to three days.
Kalbaisakhi Likely Across Several Districts
The Regional Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar has forecast thunderstorms and Kalbaisakhi activity across various districts of Odisha over the next five days.
An Orange Alert has been issued for Balasore, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, and Nabarangpur districts. These areas may experience thunderstorms accompanied by wind speeds of 50 to 60 kmph.
Meanwhile, a Yellow Alert has been issued for Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Sundargarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Boudh, Nuapada, Balangir, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Khordha, and Nayagarh districts. Wind speeds in these regions may range between 40 and 50 kmph during thunderstorm activity.
Heat and Humidity to Persist
Even as thunderstorms continue to occur intermittently, hot and humid weather conditions are expected to persist across much of the state.
Warm night conditions are likely in parts of Sundargarh, Sambalpur, and Balangir districts. In addition, Yellow Alerts for hot and humid weather have been issued for Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Angul, Dhenkanal, Sonepur, Boudh, Balangir, Kalahandi, Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Khordha, and Nayagarh districts.
No Major Temperature Drop Expected
According to the weather department’s forecast, there is little likelihood of any significant change in maximum daytime temperatures across Odisha over the next six to seven days.
During the next 24 hours, the maximum temperature is expected to remain around 40°C, while the minimum temperature may hover near 28°C. Authorities have advised people to take precautions against heat-related illnesses and remain alert during thunderstorm activity.
With the monsoon still making its way toward Odisha, residents are likely to experience a combination of scorching heat, oppressive humidity, and evening thunderstorms in the days ahead.