Odisha reels under sweltering heat, Relief unlikely for next six days

Bhubaneswar, May 21: Odisha continues to grapple with intense heatwave conditions, with no immediate respite in sight. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that the prevailing hot and humid weather will persist across the state for the next six days.
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On Thursday, several coastal districts are expected to face increased discomfort due to elevated heat and humidity levels. Key western Odisha districts such as Sambalpur, Balangir, and Sonepur may see maximum temperatures soaring above 40°C.

On Wednesday, Sambalpur recorded the highest temperature at 41.2°C, followed by Boudh (40.2°C), Balangir (39.8°C), Hirakud (39.6°C), and Jharsuguda (39.4°C). Other major towns like Nayagarh (39.2°C), Angul (38.7°C), Khordha (38.5°C), Nuapada (38.5°C), and Bhubaneswar (37.2°C) also reported high daytime temperatures.

Despite partly cloudy skies in Bhubaneswar and several other regions during the day, rainfall was largely absent until late evening. Light showers were observed around 12:30 AM in parts of the capital, with brief spells of heavy rain providing momentary relief to residents from the oppressive heat.

Districts including Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khordha, Nayagarh, Ganjam, and Gajapati are likely to experience continued heat and humidity. Isolated pockets may witness light to moderate rain with possible thunderstorms, particularly during the afternoon and evening hours.

Meanwhile, Mayurbhanj, Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, and Nabarangpur may see thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds (40–50 km/h) and dust storms.

The IMD has also warned of possible Kalbaisakhi (pre-monsoon thunderstorms) activity in several districts on May 23, 24, and 25, with light to moderate rainfall likely in isolated areas on May 26 and 27.

Weather scientists indicate that the southwest monsoon is expected to be active this year, likely reaching the Kerala coast by May 24 or 25. An early arrival in Odisha is also anticipated. However, until the monsoon sets in, relief from the ongoing heat and humidity appears unlikely.