The spell of rain during the week from February 26 to March 4 had given widespread showers in the country, but Odisha was one pocket that went dry. The deficit in the region was 63%, during the week, while the adjoining state of Chhattisgarh observed a surplus of 184% during the same period. Bihar and Jharkhand also recorded a surplus of 159% and 12%, respectively. The months of January and February weren’t any good for Odisha either as the deficit during this period was 42%.
The monsoon and post monsoon period has also been poor for the state in terms of rainfall. According to the data available with Skymet Meteorology Division in India, the monsoon began on a very poor note as the state observed a deficit of 57% during the month of June, which gradually improved in July, August and September. The monsoon ended at a surplus of 9% in the state.
The winter rains have also followed the same pattern with deficit running high. Lack of rain and clear sky is already giving summer like feeling in the state. The maximum temperatures are soaring and settling in the mid-thirties. For instance Bhubaneswar, the state capital recorded 36.3 degrees Celsius as the maximum temperature on Wednesday, while Angul and Jharsuguda saw the day temperatures settle at 36.1 degrees Celsius.
And there doesn’t seem any respite from the warm conditions as the fresh spell of rain that is expected from Mar 13 is likely to leave out Odisha again.
