Bhubaneswar: Capital City and several other districts in Odisha have been grappling with a prolonged dry spell, experiencing no significant rainfall for the past several months.
Data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reveals that the state has seen a 100% rainfall departure from the seasonal norm since the beginning of January 2026.
This lack of precipitation follows a notably dry winter season, which has contributed to rising daytime temperatures and a significant water deficit in the capital city.
The capital city is currently managing a water supply gap of approximately 65.5 million liters per day, as river levels and groundwater reserves feel the strain of the extended absence of rain.
Residents have noted that winter weather vanished earlier than usual this year, replaced by hazy mornings and unseasonably warm afternoons.
However, a shift in the weather pattern is finally on the horizon. The regional meteorological center in Bhubaneswar has issued a forecast indicating that the months-long dry streak may soon be broken.
A well-marked low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal is expected to bring light to moderate rain and thunderstorms to parts of Odisha, including the Khordha district, starting today and continuing through tomorrow.
While the primary warnings for heavy lightning and gusty winds are focused on Northern and Southern districts like Mayurbhanj and Koraput, Bhubaneswar is likely to see overcast skies and isolated drizzles.
This transition is expected to provide some relief from the mounting heat, although weather experts suggest it may not be enough to fully offset the significant moisture deficit accumulated over the dry winter months.