Monsoon Plays Hide-and-Seek, Heat Wave Continues in Odisha

BHUBANESWAR: Odisha may experience monsoon rainfall in the second week of June with India Meteorological Department suggesting that the onset of south-west monsoon this year over Kerala is likely to be slightly delayed.

The statistical model used by IMD for predicting the onset of monsoon indicates that the south-west monsoon is likely to set over Kerala on June 7.

Odisha may receive monsoon rainfall during the second week of June. However, the exact date can be declared after the onset of monsoon in Kerala, said MamataYadav, the director in-charge of Bhubaneswar Met department.

The Met department had earlier predicted that monsoon may hit Odisha coast by June 8. It, however, revised its prediction as the onset of south-west monsoon this year over Kerala is likely to be slightly delayed.

The forecasts of the monsoon onset issued during the past 11 years (2005-2015) except 2015 were proved to be correct.

A well marked low pressure area has formed over the Indian Ocean, which will concentrate into a depression and move north-westwards.  As a result, conditions are becoming favourable for the onset of south-west monsoon over the Nicobar Islands, south Andaman Sea and parts of south Bay of Bengal around 17th May and advancement over the entire Andaman Sea close to its regular date.

Meanwhile, 12 places recorded temperature above 40 degree Celsius out of which six places recorded temperature above 42.0 degree Celsius in Odisha.

The highest temperature of 45.0 degree Celsius was recorded at Sundargarh followed by  Talcher 44.6 degree and Titilagarh 44.0 degree.

The state government has received death of 181 persons allegedly due to sunstroke while it confirmed the death of 18 persons due to sunstroke.