HK Desk 4th February 2025 February has started with an unusual rise in temperature. Both day and night temperatures have increased significantly. While the daytime temperature has risen 5 to 6 degrees above normal, the nighttime temperature has increased by 3 to 4 degrees. The Regional Meteorological Center has predicted that this weather pattern will continue for the next five days.
Coastal Odisha and western districts will experience a rise in temperature. The districts of Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Balangir, Bargarh, Sonepur, Kalahandi, Gajapati, Nuapada, Angul, Dhenkanal, and even the capital, Bhubaneswar, will witness an unusual temperature rise. Clear skies and strong sunlight have caused mercury levels to rise, according to the Meteorological Department.
Temperatures Above Normal
Manorama Mohanty, Director of the Regional Meteorological Center, stated, “Currently, temperatures across Odisha are above normal. Coastal Odisha is witnessing a rise of 3 to 4 degrees above the usual temperature, while some interior parts are experiencing an increase of 5 to 6 degrees. Both day and night temperatures are higher than expected for this time of the year.”
She further added, “This February, temperatures are above normal both during the day and at night.”
No Heatwave Yet
Despite the rising temperatures, Odisha is yet to experience a heatwave. Mohanty clarified, “Even though the temperature is rising, it is not a heatwave. A heatwave is declared when temperatures exceed 40 degrees Celsius. As of now, no place in the state has recorded such temperatures. The highest temperature recorded so far is 36.7°C in Balangir, while Bhubaneswar recorded a maximum of 34.9°C. There is no reason for people to panic, as Odisha has not yet entered a heatwave situation. Also, there is no significant change expected in temperature for the next five days.”
Yellow Alert Issued for 11 Districts Due to Dense Fog
Meanwhile, some areas in the state will experience fog and dense fog. Over the next 24 hours, particularly during the early morning hours, dense fog is expected in Balasore, Bhadrak, Angul, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Khurda, Ganjam, and Nayagarh. A yellow alert has been issued for these 11 districts due to the possibility of dense fog.
Caution Advised for Drivers
On February 5, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Khurda, Ganjam, and Jajpur districts will remain under a dense fog alert. In these districts, visibility will drop below 50 meters, and some areas may experience zero visibility. The Meteorological Department has advised extreme caution while driving, especially in hilly roads and accident-prone areas, to avoid mishaps due to poor visibility.
