Nor'westers, moisture-laden winds blunt summer effect

Time of India

24-05-2025

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Bhubaneswar: After the brutal heatwave and over 140 suspected sunstroke deaths in 2024, it has been a seasonal surprise in 2025 with a cooler than usual summer in the state.
In sharp contrast to last year, Odisha recorded only one day when the maximum temperature crossed 46°C in April.
In Bhubaneswar, the maximum temperature crossed 40°C just once in May this time.
Unlike previous years when April and May saw record-breaking temperatures and frequent heatwave alerts, this year has seen multiple rounds of thunderstorm, heavy rain, and even hailstorm in parts of the state. These weather events helped keep temperatures in check, bringing much-needed relief to residents who usually brace for scorching heat.
According to IMD sources, the primary reason behind a milder summer was the frequent movement of western disturbances and the continuous flow of moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal into the mainland, triggering frequent thunderstorm activities.
"There were various reasons that triggered more nor'wester or Kalbaisakhi activities like western disturbances, wind directions and synoptic conditions like troughs.
Though Feb and March saw heatwave days, frequent nor'westers rain continued throughout the summer months, which did not allow temperatures to soar. Besides, moisture from the Bay of Bengal continued to enter the landmass, keeping the temperature low," said Manorama Mohanty, director of IMD's regional centre here.
This year, while March saw slightly above-normal temperatures, April brought one or two spells of heatwave, especially in interior Odisha.
However, the heatwave spells were brief and lacked the intensity typically associated with this time of the year. In 2024, Odisha experienced one of the longest spells of heatwave that continued for 16 days in April.
Weather experts said the primary reason was the movement of western disturbances up to eastern India, including Odisha, and a weak La Nina effect. "The impact of western disturbance usually reaches up to north-western or central India, but this year its impact extended up to eastern India and triggered nor'wester rain in Odisha.
Besides, last year the El Nino impact caused heatwave conditions in the state, while this year the La Nina impact was neutralised and weak," said Sandeep Patnaik, associate professor, School of Earth, Ocean and Climate Sciences, IIT Bhubaneswar.
Additionally, continuous flow of moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal triggered regular interactions between opposing air masses, resulting in widespread thunderstorm across the state.
They not only reduced daytime heat but also lowered maximum temperatures by 4°C to 5°C.
"Last year, we used to avoid going out after 8 am. But this year, we are going to the market around noon without feeling drained," said Bansidhar Patra, a roadside vendor.
"This year, we did not face issues like electricity outage, water scarcity or sunstroke deaths. Children did not insist on a vacation in a hill station. It has been a pleasant summer so far," said Rashmita Biswal, a homemaker in Bhubaneswar.
Bhubaneswar: After the brutal heatwave and over 140 suspected sunstroke deaths in 2024, it has been a seasonal surprise in 2025 with a cooler than usual summer in the state.
In sharp contrast to last year, Odisha recorded only one day when the maximum temperature crossed 46°C in April. In Bhubaneswar, the maximum temperature crossed 40°C just once in May this time.
Unlike previous years when April and May saw record-breaking temperatures and frequent heatwave alerts, this year has seen multiple rounds of thunderstorm, heavy rain, and even hailstorm in parts of the state.
These weather events helped keep temperatures in check, bringing much-needed relief to residents who usually brace for scorching heat.
According to IMD sources, the primary reason behind a milder summer was the frequent movement of western disturbances and the continuous flow of moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal into the mainland, triggering frequent thunderstorm activities.
"There were various reasons that triggered more nor'wester or Kalbaisakhi activities like western disturbances, wind directions and synoptic conditions like troughs.
Though Feb and March saw heatwave days, frequent nor'westers rain continued throughout the summer months, which did not allow temperatures to soar. Besides, moisture from the Bay of Bengal continued to enter the landmass, keeping the temperature low," said Manorama Mohanty, director of IMD's regional centre here.
This year, while March saw slightly above-normal temperatures, April brought one or two spells of heatwave, especially in interior Odisha.
However, the heatwave spells were brief and lacked the intensity typically associated with this time of the year. In 2024, Odisha experienced one of the longest spells of heatwave that continued for 16 days in April.
Weather experts said the primary reason was the movement of western disturbances up to eastern India, including Odisha, and a weak La Nina effect. "The impact of western disturbance usually reaches up to north-western or central India, but this year its impact extended up to eastern India and triggered nor'wester rain in Odisha.
Besides, last year the El Nino impact caused heatwave conditions in the state, while this year the La Nina impact was neutralised and weak," said Sandeep Patnaik, associate professor, School of Earth, Ocean and Climate Sciences, IIT Bhubaneswar.
Additionally, continuous flow of moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal triggered regular interactions between opposing air masses, resulting in widespread thunderstorm across the state.
They not only reduced daytime heat but also lowered maximum temperatures by 4°C to 5°C.
"Last year, we used to avoid going out after 8 am. But this year, we are going to the market around noon without feeling drained," said Bansidhar Patra, a roadside vendor.
"This year, we did not face issues like electricity outage, water scarcity or sunstroke deaths. Children did not insist on a vacation in a hill station. It has been a pleasant summer so far," said Rashmita Biswal, a homemaker in Bhubaneswar.