Heatwave / Monsoon Retreat Sparks Unusual October Heat in Odisha, Puri Breaks 130‑Year Record

Bhubaneswar, Oct 6: As Odisha awaits the onset of winter, residents are reeling under unusual October heat. The capital city Bhubaneswar recorded temperatures above 35°C, nearly 4°C higher than normal.

Puri broke a 130‑year record with 36.6°C on Monday, marking the second‑highest October day temperature in its history.

October is typically a transitional month, with cool mornings and mild breezes. This year, however, the picture is reversed.

Also read: Winter In Odisha Likely To Be Normal, But Shorter This Year: IMD

As the day progresses, scorching heat intensifies, disrupting daily life. By 11:30 AM on Tuesday, Puri registered 35.2°C, Bhubaneswar 34.4°C, Chandbali 34.2°C, Baleshwar 34.2°C, and Gopalpur 34°C — all significantly above seasonal averages.

Meteorologists attribute the heat to the withdrawal of monsoon winds, inflow of dry air, and lack of active weather systems. In recent days, cloud cover has reduced sharply, allowing direct sunlight to dominate. Though scattered rainfall continues in some areas, it is minimal and short‑lived, failing to bring relief.

Manorama Mohanty, Director of Meteorology, explained that the current spell is a result of monsoon retreat and dry atmospheric conditions. She noted that while winter in Odisha is expected to be normal in intensity, its duration may be shorter this year.

Presently, minimum temperatures in regions like Daringbadi, Malkangiri, and Koraput hover between 20°C and 25°C.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that monsoon withdrawal has already occurred in parts of Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and Jharkhand, but Odisha is yet to see a complete retreat.

With high moisture levels still present in the atmosphere, experts believe monsoon withdrawal from Odisha may take another two to three days.

For now, residents must brace for continued heat, as forecasts suggest little change in temperature over the next 48 hours.