Odisha is currently experiencing an unseasonal temperature rise in February, with regions such as Bolangir reaching temperatures of 36.7°C, marking the highest of the year. Other areas like Titilagarh, Jharsuguda, and Bhubaneswar have also recorded above-average temperatures. This sudden spike is atypical for the usually cooler month of February, which is traditionally part of the mild winter season.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributes this unusual heat to a combination of clear skies, southwesterly winds, and dry conditions. These factors are trapping heat and preventing the usual winter moisture from cooling down the atmosphere. The IMD has forecast that these high temperatures will persist for the next few days, with little to no significant changes in weather conditions.
This early onset of high temperatures has raised concerns about the potential for a severe summer ahead. The situation is further compounded by the fact that coldwave conditions were observed just a couple of weeks ago, followed by dense fog over many parts of the state, including Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.
Experts suggest that this unusual heat is part of the broader impacts of climate change, with studies showing that the probability of extreme temperature events in the region has increased significantly in recent years. Rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves indicate a worrying trend of increasing climate instability across India.
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