BHUBANESWAR: Intolerable humid conditions prevailed over large parts of Odisha even as the south-west monsoon showed little sign of advancing towards Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
Though the day temperature remained below 40 degree Celsius across the coastal plains, the humidity level breached 80 per cent in most places triggering sultry conditions. The coastal breeze was absent and dry hot wind compounded the miseries of the people.
In Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, the day temperature hovered around 38 degree Celsius but humidity was well over 85 per cent while in Gopalpur, it soared beyond 90 per cent. If that was not enough, the IMD has predicted prevalence of heat wave in some parts of the State over the next 48 hours. Frequent powercuts in many parts of the State made life further miserable.
The cyclonic storm Nanauk, which headed towards Oman, appeared to have hindered the progress of south west monsoon’s advancement.
Though the State was expecting rains by end of this week, chances are that it might take more time.
Agro-meteorologist of Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology SN Pashupalak said, the monsoon could be expected in the State by June 21.
“While June rainfall is important for commencement of farm activities, July and August hold significance because these two months will prove crucial for farmers,” he said.