Odisha sees sharp drop in temperature; maximum in Bolangir, over 5 degree C in Twin City

A sharp dip in daytime temperatures across Odisha has brought much-needed respite from the summer heat, even as weather experts warn of worsening weather due to an intensifying system over the Bay of Bengal.

According to data released by the IMD’s Regional Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar, most parts of the state saw a sharp drop in temperatures owing to cloudy skies and rainfall. 

Notably, the steepest temperature plunge was reported from Bolangir, where the mercury dropped 9 degree Celsius in the last 24 hours.

Western Odisha Leads in Cooling Trend

Followed by Bolangir, Titlagarh also dropped by 7.9 degree Celsius over the same time period, along with Chandbali (dropped by 7.8 degree Celsius), and Hirakud (drop of 7.1 degrees Celsius). 

The western belt of the state, typically among the hottest regions during summer, is experiencing an unusual chill for this time of year.

Major towns such as Sambalpur (34.7 degrees Celsius) and Keonjhar (31.1 degrees Celsius) also saw a significant drop of more than 6 degree. In coastal and northern Odisha, Baripada, Balasore and Cuttack reported cooler readings as well.

Notably, the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack cooled down to 32.2 degree Celsius and 31.4 degree Celsius, respectively, both more than 5 degrees Celsius below normal.

ALSO READ: Odisha to receive above normal rainfall in 2025: IMD DG Mrutyunjay Mohanty

Depression Brewing Over Bay of Bengal

The cooling trend comes even as reports indicated that the low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal may intensify into a well-marked system by Thursday. According to the IMD, heavy to very heavy rainfall may occur across Odisha till May 31.

IMD chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra further added that the system will lead to above-normal rainfall in June, fast-tracking monsoon arrival in the state.

In response, the Odisha government has placed all districts on alert. An 'Orange Alert' warning of heavy to very heavy rain has been issued for Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Cuttack, Koraput, and Rayagada. The remaining 25 districts are under a 'Yellow Alert', advising preparedness for possible storms, lightning, and strong winds.