No Monsoon Relief for Odisha Until Mid-June; Bhubaneswar Swelters at 33.4 deg C by 8.30 am

Odisha is currently grappling with an oppressive heatwave, with temperatures and humidity levels providing little relief. Unfortunately, the latest weather reports suggest a further delay in monsoon progression until mid-June, extending the discomfort for the residents of the region.

The initial onset of the southwest monsoon brought some hope as it made its way over Kerala and advanced into Odisha, arriving earlier than is typical. However, due to prevailing low-pressure systems in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, this momentum has stalled. Meteorologists now forecast that the discomforting weather conditions will extend through the state at least until the Raja festival, which marks the anticipation of the monsoon.

Following a temporary spell of rain last week, Odisha now faces cloudless skies, which has caused a sharp rise in daily temperatures. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) notes that the early monsoon currents which brought previous showers have now retreated, leading to rising heat levels.

In Bhubaneswar, temperatures soared to 33.4 degrees Celsius by 8:30 AM today, accompanied by a humidity level of 67.2%, which exacerbates the sultry feel. Across the state, Balasore reported the highest temperature at 34.8 degrees Celsius, followed closely by Puri at 34.6 degrees Celsius, Chandbali at 33.4 degrees Celsius, and Paradip slightly cooler at 32.8 degrees Celsius.

The intensity of the heat was all the more evident on Monday, when Bhubaneswar recorded a scorching 39.4 degrees Celsius by mid-afternoon, while Balasore wasn’t far behind at 38.4 degrees Celsius. Cities such as Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Hirakud, and Chandbali experienced temperatures hovering around or exceeding 38 degrees Celsius. This oppressive heat, combined with high humidity, continues to challenge daily life, particularly in urban areas.

Although the coastline remains under the grip of this extreme heat, the interior regions such as Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Keonjhar, and Sundargarh may experience brief relief through Kalbaisakhi thunderstorms. Nevertheless, these are expected to be isolated incidents and unlikely to bring down the overall temperature trends significantly.

Weather specialists emphasize that the monsoon initially touched parts of southern Odisha but has since stalled due to weak current patterns. It’s anticipated that monsoon activities will resume post the Raja festival, a beloved traditional event in mid-June.

The delay in strong and consistent monsoon patterns has created a void, allowing the heatwave conditions to escalate. Unfortunately, this scenario is projected to persist for at least another week, according to IMD reports. The people of Odisha are thus bracing themselves for continued high temperatures and humidity until the anticipated monsoon arrival finally brings relief.