Bhubaneswar: Odisha, particularly its coastal districts, is likely to witness an intense spell of heatwave conditions during the ongoing summer season (April–June 2026), according to the latest outlook by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Coastal Odisha in High-Risk Zone
The IMD has flagged eastern India, including Odisha, as a high-risk region for above-normal daytime temperatures. The warning is especially significant for coastal areas, where an increased number of heatwave days is forecast during April.
Odisha is part of a broader vulnerable belt that includes West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry. In these regions, high humidity combined with elevated temperatures is expected to intensify discomfort and increase health risks.
Mixed Temperature Trends Across India
At the national level, the IMD outlook presents a mixed scenario. While maximum temperatures across much of India are expected to remain normal or even below normal, eastern and northeastern regions, along with parts of central and peninsular India, are likely to experience above-normal temperatures.
Minimum temperatures are projected to stay above normal across most parts of the country, resulting in warmer nights and limited relief from daytime heat.
April Outlook: Rising Heat in Eastern Regions
For April specifically, most regions may see normal to below-normal maximum temperatures. However, eastern India—including Odisha—as well as parts of northwest and southern India are expected to record higher-than-usual temperatures.
Night temperatures are also likely to remain elevated nationwide, compounding heat stress and increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses.
More Heatwave Days Expected
The IMD has indicated an above-normal number of heatwave days across east, central, and northwest India, along with parts of the southeast peninsula. Coastal districts of Odisha are among the key areas expected to experience a surge in such conditions, making early preparedness crucial.
Rainfall May Offer Limited Relief
The forecast also suggests above-normal rainfall across India in April, estimated at over 112% of the Long Period Average (LPA). While this could bring temporary relief in some regions, uneven distribution of rainfall means eastern India, including Odisha, may still face localized heatwave conditions.
In contrast, northeastern India is expected to receive below-normal rainfall during the same period.
Impact and Preparedness Measures
The expected weather conditions could have wide-ranging impacts, including pressure on water resources, increased electricity demand, and disruptions to agriculture and daily life.
Vulnerable groups—such as the elderly, children, outdoor workers, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions—are at higher risk of heat-related illnesses.
Authorities have been advised to enhance preparedness by ensuring adequate drinking water supply, activating cooling shelters, and strengthening healthcare systems to respond to emergencies.
Need for Vigilance
With a challenging summer ahead, Odisha will require close monitoring, especially in coastal regions where heat and humidity are likely to combine and create potentially hazardous conditions.
While occasional rainfall may provide brief respite, the overall outlook points toward a demanding season, underscoring the need for both administrative readiness and public awareness.
