BHUBANESWAR : Even as the summer season commenced on Friday, people can expect some respite as the day (maximum) temperature is expected to remain normal or slightly below normal in March. The night (minimum) temperature, however, is likely to remain above normal during the month.
As per the seasonal outlook of India Meteorological Department (IMD), for March to May, Odisha is very likely to experience above normal day and night temperatures in April and May. Above normal heatwave days are also expected in the state in April and May. Usually, the state witnesses 10 to 12 heatwave days during summer season. While the month of March witnesses very few heatwave days, April experiences three to four heatwave days and May five to six.
This year, heatwave days are expected to be above normal due to the prevailing El Nino conditions. El Nino creates dryer and hotter summers and this means the country is expected to experience sweltering heat as it heads to general elections in the coming days.
“The El Nino condition is expected to weaken from June onwards for which it will have no impact over the south-west monsoon,” said IMD DG, Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra. Private weather forecaster Skymet said, “Gujarat and Odisha have a long coastline offering warm and sultry conditions. The interiors of both the states are known for scorching mercury levels, very early, in the month of March.”
Last year too, Odisha had experienced spells of intense heat and had recorded 20 to 22 heatwave days against the average of 10 to 12 heatwave days due to the El Nino condition. In April 2023, the state had recorded heatwave days on 14, 17, 18, 19 and 20.
However, day temperature in the first half of March is likely to remain normal or slightly below normal due to the influence of a western disturbance. There may be a gradual rise in day temperature during the next two days but thereafter the mercury level is expected to fall due to the western disturbance.
Meanwhile, there will be no large change in the night temperature during the next four to five days. On Friday, Paralakhemundi was the hottest at 37.4 degree Celsius, followed by Malkangiri 37 degree C. The twin city of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack recorded 34.6 degree C and 34 degree C on the day.