Bhubaneswar/Cuttack: After days of oppressive heat and high humidity, people across Odisha breathed a sigh of relief on Wednesday evening as Kalbaisakhi (Nor’wester) showers lashed several parts of the state, including the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.
Dark clouds gathered rapidly in the evening, followed by strong gusty winds, intense rainfall, thunder, and lightning. The downpour, which lasted nearly an hour in some areas, brought a sharp drop in temperatures and offered much-needed comfort after prolonged sweltering conditions.
The impact extended beyond the capital region. Industrial hub Rourkela and nearby areas also experienced strong winds and rainfall, while other districts such as Jagatsinghpur, Kalahandi, and Jajpur received showers. In some places, powerful gusts uprooted large trees, causing minor disruptions to traffic and normal life.
Relief After Intense Heat Spell
Odisha had been grappling with severe heatwave-like conditions for the past one week. The mercury soared to 42°C or above at 11 places even on Wednesday. Sambalpur emerged as the hottest spot at 44.2°C, followed by Titlagarh at 43.5°C, Sonepur at 43.1°C, Balangir at 43°C, Jharsuguda at 42.7°C, Bargarh and Hirakud at 42.5°C each, Bhawanipatna and Nuapada at 42.2°C each, Angul at 42.1°C and Sundargarh at 42°C.
The pre-monsoon Kalbaisakhi activity provided a timely break, lowering temperatures noticeably and easing humidity-related discomfort for residents. Mercury dropped by 5 to 8°C in various places in the state.
The Regional Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar had forecast thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, hail, and gusty winds of 50–60 kmph in districts including Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj on May 27. This orange warning continues for four days.
Also Read: Day Temp To Fall In Odisha Amid Intense Thunderstorm Activity After 2 Heatwave Days
There is also a warning for heavy rainfall in Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj on May 29, and Sundargarh, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj on May 30.
