Odisha likely to witness dry weather during Diwali celebrations

Bhubaneswar, Nov 6: As Odisha prepares to celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, weather conditions are expected to remain largely favourable across Odisha offering a pleasant backdrop to the festivities. While a few southern districts may witness thunderstorm activity, most regions are likely to experience dry weather during the Diwali period, IMD sources said on Friday.

Mostly Dry Diwali

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), no major weather system is likely to affect Odisha on Diwali day. However, isolated places in Malkangiri, Koraput, Ganjam, Gajapati and Rayagada districts may experience light rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning over the next 24 hours.

Winds are expected to blow at speeds of 30 kmph to 40 kmph in some areas. Elsewhere, weather conditions are likely to remain dry and conducive for outdoor celebrations.

The IMD forecast dry weather across the State on November 8 and 9. Light to moderate rainfall may occur in a few districts, including Kendrapada, Kendujhar and Baleshwar on November 10 and 11.

Winter Sets In Gradually

Weathermen also indicated a gradual drop in night temperatures across Odisha. The minimum temperature is likely to fall by 2°C to 4°C over the next four to five days.

With largely cloud-free skies expected during the period, residents may begin to experience the first signs of winter. According to Sanjeeb Dwivedi, scientist at the Regional Meteorological Centre, Bhubaneswar, the cooling trend is likely to become more noticeable in the coming days.

Although the Kartik month is underway, many parts of the State have so far remained relatively warm, with winter yet to make a pronounced appearance.
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Rainfall and Temperature

Rainfall activity during the past 24 hours remained limited. Dharakote in Ganjam district recorded the highest rainfall at 46 mm.

Nayagada registered the highest maximum temperature in the State at 33°C. The minimum temperature stood at 17.8°C in both Paralakhemundi and Deogarh, while Semiliguda recorded 17.5°C. Daringbadi reported a temperature of 18°C.

In the twin cities, Bhubaneswar recorded a maximum temperature of 32°C, while Cuttack registered 30.4°C and a minimum temperature of 21.2°C.