Odisha reels under heat wave; monsoon rain likely by June 24

Bhubaneswar: While Odisha continues to reel under intense heat wave conditions, people can expect some relief from the scorching heat as the Regional Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar has predicted rain from next week.

The monsoon circulation is likely to improve by around June 24 with expected movement of active phase of Madden Julian Oscillation to west equatorial Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea during next 3-4 days triggering rain, the latest bulletin of Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) read.

A system is likely to form over North Bay of Bengal with a cyclonic circulation and thereafter it is likely to move towards land and has potential of becoming an inset low pressure area, official sources said.

"All the conditions are favourable for revival of monsoon. As a result, rainfall activity in Odisha is likely to improve between June 23 and 24," Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre director, HR Biswas said.

Biswas further informed that heat wave warning has been issued for north, coastal and central parts of Odisha for the next 48 hours.

Today, 11 places in Odisha recorded temperature over 40 degrees Celsius while capital city Bhubaneswar sizzled at 42.2 degrees Celsius. However, a brief spell of rain triggered by thunderstorm in the afternoon provided much needed relief to residents in Bhubaneswar today.

Thunderstorm also wreaked havoc at different parts of Bhubaneswar. Nearly, 10 teachers also sustained injuries after a tree uprooted under the impact of strong winds today.

The intense heat wave conditions have thrown normal life out of gear in several parts forcing the State government to extended summer vacations in schools for the second consecutive time till June 25. Earlier, summer vacations were extended till June 21.