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.

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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Warning for Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj and Nabarangpur districts, forecasting thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, rain and strong winds with speeds of 50 to 60 kmph over the next 24 hours.

According to the weather department, Kalbaisakhi (nor’wester) activity is expected to continue in parts of coastal, northern and southern Odisha until June 6. Widespread rainfall has also been predicted across the state on June 5 and 6.

While sporadic thunderstorms may provide temporary relief, Odisha is likely to continue experiencing hot and humid weather conditions. The IMD has warned that temperatures could rise by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius over the next four days.

Monsoon Expected to Reach Kerala on June 4

The India Meteorological Department has indicated that the southwest monsoon is likely to make its onset over Kerala and parts of Tamil Nadu on June 4. Weather experts believe the monsoon could reach Odisha before the Raja festival, bringing much-needed relief from the prevailing heat and humidity.

Meteorologist Dr. Sarat Chandra Sahu said the southwest monsoon is expected to touch Kerala by June 4 or 5, though its initial progress may be slow. Between June 7 and 10, the monsoon is likely to advance further into western India.

If both the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal branches remain favourable, the monsoon could arrive in Odisha between June 13 and 16, with June 13 or 14 considered the most probable dates.

Experts Predict Odisha Monsoon Arrival Between June 10 and 14

Renowned agrometeorologist Professor Surendranath Pasupalak said various weather models indicate that the monsoon could reach Odisha between June 8 and 14. However, he believes it is unlikely to arrive before June 10.

According to his assessment, there is an 80 percent chance of the monsoon entering Odisha between June 10 and 14, while a delayed arrival around June 15 or 16 remains a possibility with a 20 percent probability.

He noted that the Bay of Bengal branch of the monsoon is currently not very active, and no organized cyclonic circulation or low-pressure system has developed over the region. Such systems generally help pull the monsoon further inland.

Heat to Persist Despite Thunderstorm Activity

Professor Pasupalak said coastal Odisha is likely to witness temperatures ranging between 36°C and 39°C, while western Odisha may experience temperatures between 39°C and 42°C. Intermittent thunderstorms are expected in some areas, and similar weather conditions are likely to continue until June 7.

Dr. Sahu also stated that rainfall activity across Odisha would remain limited until June 10. While isolated Kalbaisakhi storms may occur during evenings and nights, their impact is expected to remain localized rather than widespread.

Several Districts Record Temperatures Above 40°C

On Tuesday, Boudh recorded the state’s highest temperature at 41°C. Khordha also touched 41°C, while Sambalpur recorded 40.8°C. Talcher and Dhenkanal reported temperatures of 40°C each. Bhubaneswar recorded a maximum temperature of 38.9°C, with many other parts of the state witnessing temperatures between 38°C and 39°C.

The weather department has advised residents to remain alert during thunderstorm activity and take necessary precautions against lightning, strong winds and rising temperatures.

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On Wednesday afternoon, a sudden downpour lasting two hours wreaked havoc across Odisha’s capital, leaving streets submerged and homes inundated. Around 12:30 pm, the sun was abruptly hidden by dark clouds, which unleashed torrential rain accompanied by thunder and lightning, catching residents off guard. Within hours, major traffic routes transformed into waterways as the city’s drainage system was overwhelmed.

Smart City Infrastructure Fails

Even the modern infrastructure of Bhubaneswar struggled to cope with the deluge. Localities including Jayadev Vihar, Rajmahal, and Old Town were severely affected. Streets from Master Canteen to Rasulgarh witnessed severe traffic jams, trapping commuters in their vehicles. In low-lying areas such as Jayadev Vihar Lane-4 and Shabar Sahi, water entered homes, soaking furniture, food, and books. Government quarters in Unit-1 and other areas also faced flooding, with residents wading through knee-deep water.

Commuters and Residents Face Havoc

The sudden flooding created significant challenges for both pedestrians and motorists. “The roads were like canals, and I couldn’t move an inch,” said commuter Priya Das, describing the ordeal. The heavy showers also affected the coastal and northern regions of Odisha, compounding the crisis.

Weather Warnings and Cyclone Alert

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts more rainfall over the next four days, with a minimum cyclonic circulation expected over the Bay of Bengal by October 10. A yellow alert has been issued for Balasore, Bhadrak, and Kendrapara, warning of thunderstorms and gales reaching 40 kmph.

Authorities in Bhubaneswar are now under pressure not only to resolve drainage issues but also to prepare for the looming cyclone, which could intensify the flooding crisis.

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