Weather in Odisha turns intolerably warm due to an anti - cyclonic system; rain likely

Warm weather in Odisha is nothing new but it isn’t so common to witness maximums soaring above 35⁰C at this point of time. Our weathermen tell us an anti-cyclonic system in northwest Bay of Bengal (formed couple of days ago), has led to a drastic rise in the day temperatures in Odisha. However, this warm weather could soon be followed by rain over the state.

Since the start of February, maximums in Bhuvaneshwar and in adjoining cities, had been settling between 29⁰C to 32⁰C, however, in the last 48hours, the maximum temperature rose by 5 to 6 degrees and settled above 36 degrees Celsius. (36.7⁰C on the 8^th and 36.3⁰C on the 9^th of Feb).

Other cities facing the wrath of hot weather in Odisha are Jharsuguda and Balasore, with maximums settling around 33⁰C. Kolkata in West Bengal also recorded a maximum of 31⁰C.

“This rise has mostly been because of hot and humid winds blowing from the Bay of Bengal. Maximums are expected to remain high for another 24 to 48 hours, till rain occurs and brings some relief. We are expecting rain to occur in Odisha as well as in parts of Sub Himalayan West Bengal in 36 to 48 hours, i.e. on the 11^th and 12^th of February”, says a senior meteorologist at Skymet Weather.

Some of the cities to experience thunder and rain are Cuttack, Bhuvaneshwar, Balasore in Odisha and Kolkata in West Bengal. As rain occurs and cloud cover increases, minimums which are currently between 17⁰C to 19⁰C, could rise to settle around 21⁰C. Nights could be breezy with winds blowing at a speed of 10 to12 kmph along the coastal stations.

Photo by Orissadiary.