Odisha heatwave: Temperature to rise again by 3 to 5 degrees Celsius, predicts IMD

Odisha is set to experience another spell of intense heat as the impact of Kalbaisakhi (Nor’wester thunderstorms) diminishes, starting today.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted a steady rise in temperatures across the state starting this morning. Further, it has predicted that over the next three to five days, maximum temperatures are expected to increase by 3 to 5 degrees Celsius above normal.

Heatwave Conditions to Intensify

The recent Kalbaisakhi storms provided temporary relief from the sweltering heat, keeping temperatures below 40°C in most parts of Odisha. However, with the storms subsiding, dry and humid conditions are expected to return, leading to an increase in both day and night temperatures, said IMD.

In addition to these predictions, the IMD has not updated its yellow warning, issued yesterday, for isolated thunder and lightning in six districts, including Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, and Cuttack.

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As such, temperatures are expected to rise further. Notably, before the onset of the Kalbaisakhi storms, temperatures had crossed record highs, with Boudh recording the highest daytime temperatures in India for three consecutive days.

Weather Disruptions Reported

In recent days, however, Kalbaisakhi-induced storms caused significant disruption. On Saturday (March 22), sudden thunderstorms and strong winds uprooted trees and disrupted power supply in Mohana, Gajapati district, blocking sections of National Highway 326.

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In another incident, over 50 people were injured on Friday (March 21) when hailstorms struck Bangriposi in Mayurbhanj district. Twenty of them sustained serious injuries and were admitted to Baripada Medical College and Hospital.