Bhubaneswar experienced a spell of overcast skies and high humidity early on April 18, 2025. According to the latest report by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the city recorded 100% relative humidity in the morning, with temperatures hovering around 20°C. As the day progresses, thunderstorms accompanied by light to moderate showers are likely in parts of the city and surrounding coastal areas.
The IMD forecasts light to moderate rainfall or thundershowers for Bhubaneswar and several parts of Odisha until April 21. Day temperatures are expected to range between 34°C and 38°C, with interior districts likely touching 42°C. With relative humidity at 100%, citizens are advised to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
As the IMD's extended forecast shows, rainfall activity will begin to decline after April 21, especially in western and interior Odisha. A sharp rise in day temperatures is expected from April 22 onward, particularly in interior regions where temperatures may cross 43°C. Dry and uncomfortable weather is likely to dominate most parts of the state by mid-week.
This weather shift has prompted health advisories for residents. Citizens are urged to stay indoors during peak hours to avoid heat-related illnesses. Additionally, with the anticipated rise in temperatures, a spike in power demand is expected due to increased use of fans and air conditioning units. To mitigate the effects of sudden showers, residents are advised to carry umbrellas or raincoats and to drink plenty of water.
The sudden rain in Bhubaneswar on April 18, 2025, around 9:30-10:00 am, provided a much-needed respite from the sizzling summer heat, but it also caused significant disruptions. Traffic snarls were reported at various locations in the twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, with poor visibility and traffic disruptions during intense rain spells. The MeT issued a yellow warning advising residents to avoid movement during these heavy rain events.
Several areas within the twin cities experienced water logging due to the unexpected downpour. The advisory from the meteorological department urged urban local bodies to de-congest drains and deploy de-watering pumps as necessary. Citizens were advised to monitor the weather closely and seek safe shelter during thunderstorms.
On the same day, the IMD issued an orange warning for Khordha district, which includes Bhubaneswar, predicting moderate thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds reaching 40-50 km/h within the next two hours. Additionally, a yellow warning was issued for Puri district, expecting light to moderate thunderstorms with gusty winds and lightning within the next three hours. Residents were cautioned to prepare for potential minor damage to loose or unsecured structures, banana trees, and standing crops.
As the IMD reported, light to moderate rain is likely to affect parts of Khordha district, prompting residents to remain vigilant about worsening conditions. The organization urged individuals to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from lightning strikes.
Looking ahead, the IMD anticipates a return to dry weather conditions across Odisha starting April 21, 2025. The director of the Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre, Manorama Mohanty, indicated that rainfall activity would reduce as the prevailing weather systems weaken. Dry and hot conditions are expected to return, with day temperatures likely rising by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius from the week of April 21.
As the weather transitions, the IMD forecasts that the day temperature will remain over 43 degrees Celsius in interior districts starting Monday, April 21, 2025. While parts of coastal and adjoining districts, such as Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, and Jajpur, may still experience nor’wester rains until the end of the month, this will not significantly lower daytime temperatures.
In the last 24 hours prior to the report, the day temperature was below normal by about 6 degrees Celsius in some interior districts and by 3 to 4 degrees Celsius in many coastal districts. The weather conditions had been relatively pleasant due to recent rainfall activity, with 28 districts recording large excess rainfall between April 10 and April 16, 2025.
As residents of Bhubaneswar and surrounding areas brace for the impending heat wave, it is essential to stay informed and prepared for the significant weather changes ahead. The IMD will continue to provide updates and advisories to help the public navigate the shifting weather conditions.
