Bhubaneswar: Heatwave conditions will prevail in the interior and western districts of Odisha till June 10 despite the onset of the south-west monsoon, according to Centre for Environment and Climate (CEC).
A CEC release Thursday said the models indicate that the onset of monsoon over Odisha and nearby regions might not happen before June 10 even as the hot wind flow from north-western part of the country is expected to continue for a week or more, CEC Director Sarat Chandra Sahu said.
The higher moisture content in the atmosphere would prevail over the coastal plains causing discomfort, he said, adding there was probability of norwester, locally known as Kalbaisakhi, in Bhubaneswar and its neighbourhood within the next one or two days.
The monsoon current, he said, had already set in over Kerala, Andaman and Nicobar islands and the north-eastern states causing moisture accumulation over Odisha.
Norwesters, comprising moderate rain, thunder and lightning, could occur at sporadic locations of coastal Odisha and adjoining districts within the next two to three days which could favour removal of excess moisture from the atmosphere decreasing the level of discomfort.
Meanwhile, IMD bulletin said at least 19 locations in Odisha today recorded day temperature above 40 degree Celsius with 12 stations recording highest day temperature of above 44 degree Celsius.
The Industrial town of Jharsuguda in Western Odisha became the hottest place in Odisha with the day temperature rising to a record 47 degree Celsius.
Three more western Odisha towns- Titlagarh, Bargarh and Sambalpur recorded the day temperature above 46 degree Celsius while in four more locations in the Western Odisha, the mercury hovered above 45 degree Celsius.
The entire Western Odisha Thursday virtually turned into a boiling cauldron throwing the normal life out of gear forcing the residents to remain indoors during the day.
IMD source said due to prevailing dry conditions in the state and strengthening of northwesterly dry winds in middle and upper level of the atmosphere, the maximum temperature (Day Temperature) is likely to be above normal by 3-5 degree Celsius at many places over the districts of interior Odisha during the next 2 to 3 days.
Consequently maximum temperature (Day Temperature) likely to be between 44 to 46 degree Celsius at a few places over the districts of interior Odisha with isolated severe to heatwave likely conditions over some districts of Odisha.
Also due to absence of any major synoptic situation and presence of high humidity in lower levels, hot and humid conditions are also very likely over coastal Odisha during the next three days.
However, establishment of a north-south trough like features towards June 1 likely to trigger thunderstorms activity from June 1 onwards over some districts of coastal and adjoining districts of Odisha.
The IMD has advised the people to take precautionary measures while going outside during the peak hours of the day between 1100 hours to 1500 hours during the next three days.
UNI