Bhubaneswar: Meteorological officials in Bhubaneswar have reported a period of dry weather across Odisha as the state begins its transition from winter to the pre summer season. The latest data reveals a stark contrast in temperatures between the coastal belt and the hilly interior regions.
According to the Meteorological Centre, the highest maximum temperature in the plains was recorded at Paralakhemundi, reaching a warm 33.6 degrees Celsius. Conversely, Phulbani registered the lowest minimum temperature in the plains at 7.5 degrees Celsius. The coldest spot in the state remains G. Udayagiri in the highlands, where the mercury plummeted to 3.8 degrees Celsius.
In the twin cities, Bhubaneswar recorded a high of 31.3 degrees Celsius and a low of 14.1 degrees Celsius, while Cuttack stayed slightly cooler with a maximum of 29.2 degrees Celsius.
The forecast for the next seven days indicates a steady rise in minimum temperatures across the state. Experts predict that the current cold wave conditions in the interior districts will subside by mid week as dry winds continue to prevail. No rainfall activity is expected during this period, ensuring clear skies and increasing solar radiation.
Looking ahead to the summer of 2026, the early arrival of temperatures exceeding 33 degrees Celsius in early February suggests an intense season ahead. If the current dry trend persists without significant pre monsoon showers, interior Odisha could face severe heatwave conditions starting as early as late March.
The western belt of the state is positioned to experience the most significant shift in weather patterns over the coming week. Current data from stations like Jharsuguda, which is reporting a minimum temperature nearly 6 degrees below the seasonal average, indicates that the region is currently in a deep cooling phase. However, this cold pocket is expected to dissipate rapidly as the high pressure system shifts.
Over the next seven days, districts including Sambalpur, Bolangir, Bargarh, and Jharsuguda will see a steady climb in both day and night temperatures. The nighttime chill that has kept the mercury around 8 to 13 degrees Celsius will likely normalize to 15 to 18 degrees Celsius by the weekend. Afternoon temperatures in these areas are projected to hover between 32 and 34 degrees Celsius under clear, cloudless skies.
The lack of moisture in the atmosphere across the western interior suggests that the heating of the land surface will occur more rapidly here than in the coastal regions. This sets the stage for a particularly harsh summer. Without the cooling effect of the sea breeze, these inland districts are likely to witness the first heatwave conditions of the year much earlier than their eastern counterparts. By the end of this week, the atmospheric dryness will be the primary factor driving the upward trend in heat intensity.