After days of severe heatwave conditions that pushed daytime temperatures above 40°C in several parts of the state, residents of Odisha are finally getting some respite with the arrival of Kalbaisakhi — the pre-monsoon thunderstorms typical of the region.
Daytime temperatures have dropped below the 40-degree mark across Odisha. The highest temperature recorded on Sunday was 39.5°C in Paralakhemundi. No city in the state crossed the 40°C threshold, thanks to cloudy skies and the influence of Kalbaisakhi.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a trough line at 0.9 km above mean sea level is running from the Gangetic plains of West Bengal through Chhattisgarh to Telangana. Additionally, a cyclonic circulation lies over the west-central Bay of Bengal near the south Andhra coast at 1.5 km above mean sea level. These two weather systems have triggered a change in the state’s weather pattern.
The Regional Meteorological Centre Director, Manorama Mohanty, said the systems will bring light to moderate rain, thunder and lightning, and gusty winds of 30-50 kmph across the state this week.
Monday’s Alert:
Yellow warning has been issued for 11 districts — Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Ganjam, Gajapati and Rayagada — for thunderstorms accompanied by rain and 30-50 kmph winds.
A separate Yellow warning covers 14 districts: Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Angul, Boudh, Dhenkanal, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nabarangpur, Koraput, Malkangiri, Puri, Khordha and Nayagarh.
Tuesday & Wednesday Outlook:
The influence of the trough and cyclonic circulation will be strongest. Orange warning (heavy rain, thunder and 50-60 kmph gusty winds) has been issued for Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore and Bhadrak. Yellow warning (30-50 kmph winds with thunderstorms) will remain in force for the rest of the state.
Mahanti added that Kalbaisakhi activity is likely to continue through Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with daytime temperatures expected to fall by up to 4°C in the next two days. No rise in temperature is forecast for the coming week.
The weather department has advised people to remain alert, especially in coastal and interior districts, and to avoid open areas during thunderstorms.
