Bhubaneswar – Odisha has entered a phase of unbearable sultriness. The atmospheric moisture over coastal Odisha has increased the discomfort level significantly. Even though the actual temperature is below 40°C, the “feels like” temperature (apparent temperature) is ranging between 45°C to 48°C. This condition is expected to persist in coastal Odisha for the next six days, and from May 10 onwards, the temperature may rise further, potentially leading to a heatwave.
According to the weather centre, districts like Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Ganjam, and Gajapati are likely to experience intense sultriness today. In view of this, the weather centre has issued a Yellow Alert for these districts.
On another note, there is a possibility of a low-pressure system forming over the east-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Andaman Sea around May 16. Most models predict this system may intensify further. As we are currently in the pre-monsoon cyclone season, the IMD (India Meteorological Department) is closely monitoring the weather developments.
Notably, in May 2021, the cyclonic storm ‘Yaas’ formed and intensified in the sea around May 23 and made landfall in Odisha on May 26. Therefore, if the potential low-pressure system intensifies, the possibility of a cyclone cannot be ruled out.
Although IMD has not yet made any official forecast about this probable low-pressure system, in its detailed area-wise outlook released on Thursday, it has mentioned various model predictions. While some models anticipate a cyclone forming after the low-pressure system develops, others suggest it may change direction instead of becoming a cyclone.