IMD issues heatwave warning in 10 districts of Odisha

BHUBANESWAR: After a break heatwave returns to Odisha but it was the temperature that has caused discomfort rather extremely high levels of humidity is making the summer more oppressive for people in most parts of the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued yellow alert for heat wave in 10 districts till June 13 and advised people to avoid exposure to heat.
It was a sultry day for residents of Bhubaneswar on Monday as high humidity levels made people sweat. Though the maximum day temperature was recorded between 38 to 42 degree Celsius but the feel like temperature was around 48-50 degree Celsius in the city.
“It was difficult to stay outdoors for more than half an hour. The weather was making you sick as people are sweating a lot due to high levels of relative humidity and moisture content in the air. People are sweating a lot due to the sultry weather conditions,” said Prafulla Kumar Mishra, a government employee.
The maximum relative humidity of 94% was recorded in the city on Monday while at morning 8.30 the humidity was as high as 82 % and 78% at 5.30 in the evening. “Neither the morning hours were comfortable nor were the day time or evening. Besides, unscheduled power cuts several times a day are adding to the woes,” said Madhabi Lata Patra, a resident of Kanan Vihar area.
The weatherman, however said, that the high humidity during the pre-monsoon period is quite normal. “During the transition period wind pattern changes between May end till the onset of monsoon in June causing change in weather. The south and southeasterly wind prevailing in the state is carrying lots of moisture that is causing discomfort level,” said H R Biswas, director of IMD’s Bhubaneswar office.
The highest maximum temperature of 44.8 degree Celsius was recorded at Hirakud followed by 44.6 degree Celsius at Sambalpur on Monday. Eleven places in the state recorded temperature above 40 degree Celsius while Bhubaneswar recorded maximum temperature of 37.4 degree Celsius.
Though IMD has issued yellow warning for heatwave conditions in 10 districts including Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Sundergarh, Deogarh, Angul, Baragarh, Sonepur, Balangir, Nawarangpur, Kalahandi from June 11 to 13, it has also predicted Norwester rain with thunderstorm and lightning in northern districts of the state.
As per the IMD predictions, southwest monsoon will be late by a week or more to hit Odisha increasing the transition period. The official date of monsoon reaching Odisha is June 10 to 12.