Bhubaneswar: Heatwave is likely to return to Odisha on April 14, coinciding with Maha Bishuba Sankranti or Pana Sankranti, the traditional New Year festival of the state.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), hot and humid conditions may continue at isolated places in the districts of Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Ganjam and Gajapati till April 19.
On April 14, a yellow warning of heatwave has been issued for isolated places in Bargarh and Balangir. Heatwaves may continue to scorch Bargarh, Balangir, Jharsuguda and Sambalpur districts the following two days (April 15-16).
The weather agency has forecast a rise in the day temperature by 4-6°C during the next 5 days with no large change thereafter. The mercury may shoot up to 40°C in state capital Bhubaneswar by April 16.
Nor’wester rains had brought much-needed relief to many parts of Odisha last week, easing the hot, humid conditions. However, rainfall is expected to decrease from this week, and with clearer skies, western districts of the state may experience heatwave conditions. Sultry weather conditions may continue in coastal areas due to high moisture levels, said Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre director Manorama Mohanty.
According to IMD’s extended range forecast, the day temperature in Odisha is very likely to be in the range of 36-40°C over coastal districts and adjoining districts, and 40-44°C over most parts of interior Odisha between April 17-23. “Maximum temperature departure is likely to be above normal over most parts of Odisha and above normal to appreciably above normal over western parts of north interior Odisha,” it added.
In its seasonal outlook for April to June, the national forecast has predicted above-normal heatwave days across Odisha. The state usually experiences around 11 heatwave days during this period.
