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Residents across Odisha are contending with unusually high temperatures this December, as regions typically known for their cooler climates face an unexpected heatwave. While the initial days of the month brought a brief cool, recent weather changes due to a low-pressure system have sent mercury levels soaring.
The State’s Meteorological Department has reported temperatures fluctuating between 31°C and 33°C, exceeding the expected December average of around 28°C.
As per official sources, currently, the temperatures are three to four degrees above the normal level in December.
“Temperature during winter in Odisha is rising due to altered wind patterns, western disturbances, and reduced atmospheric moisture levels,” said weather scientist Sarat Sahu.
“Winter will not exist anymore due to the increase in global warming. We are not feeling any kind of cold wave condition in Bhubaneswar even in December during which winter should have been at its peak,” said a resident in Bhubaneswar.
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“After the unseasonal rain, the winter has completely vanished. This kind of unusual thing is happening due to change in the climate condition,” rued another resident in Bhubaneswar.
Data from the Regional Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar indicates that this warming trend has been developing over the past decade. Major cities such as Bhubaneswar, Balasore, Paradip, and Jharusaguda have all recorded elevated temperatures in December.
Traditionally, December and January are characterized by cooler conditions in Odisha, often requiring the use of blankets at night. However, this seasonal hallmark has been disrupted, creating an unpredictable climatic environment.
However, as per the prediction by the Regional Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar, the warmer days are set to be followed by a predicted drop in night temperatures, which are expected to dip by three to five degrees Celsius until January 4.
“Night temperatures at most of the places are expected to dip by three to five degrees Celsius until January 4. The rise or fall in temperature mostly depends upon the movement and position of western disturbances and wind direction,” said Manorama Mohanty, Director of Regional Meteorological Centre, Bhubaneswar.
This remarkable fluctuation in weather challenges the typical seasonal cycle, blending unexpected rain patterns with summer-like heat, a phenomenon described as the unpredictable or erratic nature of winter conditions.
Experts continue to study these anomalies, emphasising the need for adaptation strategies to manage the implications of such climatic changes. As the region adapts to these conditions, the broader impacts on agriculture and local lifestyles remain a focus of attention.
