Bhubaneswar: The much-awaited rains finally lashed Odisha on Thursday bringing much needed respite from the scorching summer heat. The showers were triggered due to formation of cyclonic circulation over west-central Bay of Bengal.
The afternoon spell of rains pulled the mercury down in many places, which had been climbing beyond the 40 degree Celsius mark since the past few days.
However Bolangir and Titlagarh continued to simmer at 40.2 degree Celsius and 40 degree Celsius, respectively.
Officials at the Bhubaneswar Meteorological Department informed that the southwest monsoon that weakened after its arrival in Odisha on June 8 is likely to become active between June 23 and June 25 since conditions for its revival are favourable.
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Under the influence of the cyclonic circulation, many parts of the State including coastal, northern and western Odisha will experience rainfall in the next 24 hours, reported the IMD. However the weather will mostly remain hot and dry in interior parts of the State in the next 48 hours, the weathermen stated.
Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon has covered 13 districts of the State and it is expected to advance and cover all districts by next week.
In a related development, three people were killed in lightning in Nabarangpur district today.
Sources said two persons identified as Padman Pujari and Rama Bhatra of Ukiapalli village under Kosagumuda block had gone to their farmland this morning . As rain started pouring in, the two took shelter in a thatched house. However, a fire broke out in the house after lightning struck it and the two were burnt alive.
Another Rabi Bhatra of Karagaon in Umerkote of the district died after lightning struck him while he had taken shelter under a tree.