May 21st 2024.
The city of Bhubaneswar has been experiencing a relentless heatwave since mid-April, and unfortunately, it seems to be making a comeback. The regional office of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the heatwave will return on Tuesday and last for three days. However, there is a silver lining as relief is expected from May 25 when we can expect rainfall in many districts. The IMD has also predicted that the rain will be accompanied by strong winds.
According to the IMD, a number of districts will continue to face heatwave conditions for the next three days. These include Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Ganjam, and Gajapati. Temperatures in these areas are expected to be two to four degrees Celsius higher than the normal temperatures.
In addition, the IMD has also raised concerns about the upcoming third phase of elections in Odisha on May 25. Heavy rainfall is expected to disrupt the polling process in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Puri, and Sambalpur Lok Sabha constituencies, along with 42 Assembly seats. The districts of Keonjhar, Sambalpur, and Puri are likely to experience heavy rains.
The IMD has also announced that from May 25 to 28, there will be light to moderate rainfall in several districts of the state. However, the Special Relief Commissioner has issued a warning to fishermen to avoid venturing into the Bay of Bengal from May 23 onwards. This is due to the formation of a low-pressure area over southwest BoB, which is expected to intensify into a depression by May 24.
In a letter to the Collectors of Ganjam, Puri, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak, and Balasore, as well as the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development department, SRC Satyabrata Sahu has cautioned against the possible dangers. He stated that the IMD has alerted them about the low-pressure area and the squally winds that will reach 40-50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph over central BoB from May 23. This is likely to extend to the surrounding areas of north BoB from May 24, with wind speeds of 50-60 kmph, gusting up to 70 kmph. The sea conditions are expected to be rough to very rough from May 23 onwards, and fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea during this time. Those who are already at sea are urged to return to the coast before May 23.
The SRC has requested the officials to spread awareness about these warnings among the fishermen and take necessary precautions for their safety. Let us all take heed of these advisories and stay safe during this time.
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