Heatwave to prolong in Odisha for a week, says weather expert

Bhubaneswar: The Centre for Environment and Climate (CEC) of Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (SOA) warned on Thursday that heatwave conditions in Odisha could persist for a week to ten days. Dr Sarat Chandra Sahu, director of CEC, explained that prevailing weather patterns over Pakistan and Afghanistan were influencing the climate in the region.

According to Dr Sahu, north Odisha is experiencing maximum temperatures ranging from 43 to 45 degrees Celsius, while southern districts are seeing temperatures between 41 and 43 degrees Celsius.

The director highlighted the formation of meteorological systems over Pakistan and Afghanistan, leading to heavy rainfall in those areas. These systems, either stationary or moving slightly northwestward, have prevented major rain-bearing systems from forming over central and eastern India. Consequently, dry north-westerly hot winds are flowing into eastern India, contributing to the prolonged heatwave in Odisha.

Dr Sahu noted that the current system over Pakistan could gradually shift towards eastern India, potentially bringing rain and thundershowers to coastal and nearby districts on May 1, resulting in a slight temperature drop. However, he cautioned that temperatures might rise again from May 4.

The expert also pointed out the adverse weather conditions in Pakistan, where heavy rainfall has been occurring for the past 15 to 20 days in areas accustomed to extreme summer heat. The impact of these conditions, including a record day temperature of 52.8 degrees Celsius in Jacobabad, Pakistan, has influenced the flow of sea breeze from the Bay of Bengal into Odisha, despite the presence of an anti-cyclone.