Bhubaneswar: Odisha is grappling with an extended period of intense heat and oppressive humidity as the southwest monsoon remains largely inactive, stalled for the past ten days by persistent dry westerly winds. Balasore recorded the state’s highest temperature on Monday at a scorching 39.8°C, and there is little immediate relief in sight.
The Regional Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar has issued a “yellow warning” for hot and humid conditions across several coastal districts for today, Tuesday, June 3, 2025. This advisory covers Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khordha, Nayagarh, Ganjam, and Gajapati. Temperatures in these regions are expected to hover between 39°C and 40°C, with the high humidity significantly increasing the “feels like” temperature, making conditions even more uncomfortable.
Meteorological officials attribute the stalled monsoon to the dominance of dry westerly winds, which are preventing the typical inflow of moisture-laden air from the Bay of Bengal. This has resulted in a marked absence of monsoon-related rainfall or thunderstorms across much of the state, further exacerbating the heatwave.
While the monsoon had an early onset in Odisha on May 29, covering southern parts of the state, its subsequent progress has been significantly hampered. The current dry spell is expected to persist through at least June 6, keeping residents on edge.
Authorities are advising citizens, especially those in the warned coastal districts, to take all necessary precautions against heat stress. Staying hydrated, avoiding direct sunlight during peak hours, and taking measures to cool down are strongly recommended. Farmers, whose livelihoods are heavily dependent on monsoon rains, are particularly concerned about the prolonged dry spell impacting crop growth.
A glimmer of hope for relief lies in the forecast of a potential low-pressure area forming over the Bay of Bengal after June 10, which could bring much-needed rainfall. Until then, Odisha braces for continued hot and humid conditions.