October in Odisha has brought an unpredictable mix of weather extremes, leaving residents grappling with relentless heat, suffocating humidity, and erratic regional weather patterns.
While coastal regions and urban centers continue to swelter under scorching temperatures, the coastal holy town of Puri registered a historic temperature surge, breaking a 130-year weather record.
According to official weather data dating back to 1896, Puri recorded its maximum daytime temperature of 36.6°C on October 5. This marks the second-highest temperature ever recorded in the city during the month of October, surpassing the previous recent peak of 36.3°C recorded on October 4, 2024. Across coastal Odisha, day temperatures have consistently remained 3°C to 4°C above normal, creating uncomfortable conditions due to elevated humidity levels.
Conversely, interior parts of western and southern Odisha are experiencing a stark contrast, with light morning fog and a subtle drop in nighttime temperatures signaling early seasonal shifts.
Dr. Manorama Mohanty, Director of the Regional Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar, reported that the withdrawal line of the Southwest Monsoon remains stationary, passing through Supaul, Ranchi, Raipur, Bramhapuri, Parbhani, and Baramati. Additionally, an atmospheric trough line stretches from southeast Uttar Pradesh to the North Bay of Bengal, alongside an active cyclonic circulation over south coastal Odisha and the adjoining bay.
“Daytime maximum temperatures will not see significant changes for the next two to three days. However, starting Friday, temperatures are expected to drop by 2°C to 3°C,” said Dr. Mohanty. Nighttime temperatures across the state are predicted to remain stable for the next six to seven days.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Yellow Warning for lightning, thunderstorms, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30 to 40 km/h across several districts until the morning of October 9. The affected districts include Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Kataka, Sundaragada, Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj, Khordha, Puri, Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri.
