The Regional Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar has reported that rain occurred in 13 cities across the state amid cloudy conditions, leading to a noticeable drop in daytime temperatures.
This change is attributed to a trough line extending from northern Uttar Pradesh through Chhattisgarh to southern interior Odisha, up to about 0.9 km above sea level, with no specific weather system currently dominating.
According to Regional Meteorological Centre Director Dr Manorama Mohanty, the influence has caused maximum daytime temperatures to decrease by up to 5°C in many areas. On Monday, the highest recorded maximum temperature was 36.6°C in Paralakhemundi. The weather is expected to remain predominantly cloudy with scattered to widespread rainfall until March 22, accompanied by gusty winds of 0-30 km/h and possible hail in some places. The centre has issued alerts accordingly.
Pre-monsoon thunderstorms (known as Kalbaisakhi or Nor’westers) are affecting various districts. Yellow warnings are in place for thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds up to March 20 in several locations.
On Tuesday, districts such as Mayurbhanj, Malkangiri, Kendujhar, and Balasore faced yellow alerts for lightning, rain, and winds of 30-40 km/h. Similar conditions with lightning and rain are forecasted for Koraput, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Ganjam, and Gajapati. Warnings continue for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday in various districts.
From March 23 onward, the weather is predicted to turn dry, with the return of heat. However, no major changes in overall temperature levels are expected immediately. Until March 20, daytime temperatures are likely to remain normal or below 35°C in both coastal and interior regions.
In interior districts like Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Bargarh, Sonepur, Bolangir, Bhawanipatna, and Nuapada, maximum temperatures may reach 36-37°C in spots. Dr. Mohanty noted that an active cyclonic circulation in the atmosphere is contributing to the current spell of unsettled weather.
