Bhubaneswar: A week ago, the monsoon showed some early signs of arrival with scattered light rain, bringing a smile of relief to people suffering from the summer heat. But now, it has vanished again. This is the story of the Southwest Monsoon, which has currently gone missing.
The monsoon winds that had just touched Odisha have now retreated without a trace. There’s no sign of rain anywhere. Instead, the skies have cleared, and the sun is blazing down mercilessly. The heat and humidity have intensified.
According to the weather forecast, there is no significant rainfall expected in the state for the next 10 days. Light and patchy rain may occur in some places. Starting from the 4th of June, heat and humidity are likely to worsen in coastal areas, which could make life extremely uncomfortable for residents.
In short, with the disappearance of the monsoon, the summer heat has returned to Odisha.
Currently, temperatures are hovering around 40°C in the state. In 19 cities, temperatures have been recorded between 37°C and 40°C. On Sunday, Paralakhemundi recorded 39.4°C, Khurda 38.5°C, Bhubaneswar and Nayagarh 38°C, accompanied by intense humidity. In the coastal areas, mercury crossed 37°C, while humidity levels remained between 50% and 70%. Interior and western regions also reported temperatures above 37°C.
Professor Surendranath Pasupalak, an agricultural weather expert, stated that from June 4, extreme heat and humidity are expected in coastal regions. While low pressure systems during the Raja festival may bring some rain, monsoon activity will largely remain inactive until June 10 across most parts of the country, except for the western coastal and northeastern regions.
Currently, hot winds from the west are blowing into Odisha, further intensifying the heat. No monsoon trough has formed, nor is there any indication of a developing cyclonic system.
However, Professor Pasupalak mentioned that from June 10, there might be a shift in wind direction. Around June 11 or 12, a cyclonic circulation may form over the northwest Bay of Bengal, which could develop into a low-pressure area and move inland through Odisha or neighboring coastal regions. This could bring widespread rainfall for about four days, though chances of heavy rainfall are low, as per initial estimates.
Until June 5, temperatures in coastal and interior Odisha are likely to range between 35°C and 37°C. From June 6 to 9, a 1°C rise in temperature is expected. Hence, heat and humidity will persist in the state until Snana Purnima (full moon bathing festival).
Manorama Mahanti, Director of the Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre, said the heatwave and humidity will likely continue. In the next 2–3 days, both temperature and humidity may increase slightly. There is no significant rainfall expected for the next 7 days. However, on Monday, light to moderate rainfall may occur at one or two places in Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Gajapati, and Ganjam districts.
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