Odisha heatwave to linger until monsoon arrival, CEC predicts

Bhubaneswar, May 30: According to the Centre for Environment and Climate (CEC) at SOA, the arrival of the south-west monsoon in Odisha is not anticipated until June 10, resulting in the persistence of heat wave conditions in the interior and western districts of the state.

Dr. Sarat Chandra Sahu, Director of CEC, explained that weather models suggest the delay in monsoon onset, with the continuation of hot winds from the north-western region for at least a week. The coastal plains are expected to experience higher moisture levels, causing discomfort among residents. Additionally, there is a possibility of norwesters, locally known as Kalbaisakhi, in Bhubaneswar and surrounding areas within the next couple of days.

While the monsoon has commenced over Kerala, Andaman and Nicobar islands, and the north-eastern states, leading to moisture accumulation over Odisha, sporadic norwesters could bring moderate rain, thunder, and lightning to coastal Odisha and nearby districts within the next few days, potentially reducing discomfort levels by removing excess moisture from the atmosphere.