Humidity in Bhubaneswar raises heat index, morning temperature reaches 44°C

Odisha: In Odisha’s capital, Bhubaneswar, residents are experiencing significant discomfort even in the morning due to the persistent heat and high humidity. According to the latest weather data, while temperatures are at normal levels, the humidity is causing the heat index to be significantly higher.

According to weather observations recorded at 5:30 a.m., Bhubaneswar recorded a temperature of 31.4 degrees Celsius and a humidity of 84 percent. The combined effect of heat and humidity caused the city’s heat index to rise to nearly 44 degrees Celsius, making people feel much hotter than the actual temperature.

According to weather experts, when the humidity level is high in the atmosphere, sweat cannot evaporate properly, resulting in a feeling of overheating. This is why people are experiencing extreme discomfort despite normal temperatures.

The same pattern has been observed in weather data from the past few days. On May 21st, Bhubaneswar recorded a temperature of 29.6 degrees Celsius, but humidity reached 90 percent, resulting in a heat index of around 39 degrees Celsius. Similarly, on May 20th and 19th, humidity exceeded 86 percent, resulting in a heat index consistently hovering around 40 degrees Celsius.

Due to this persistent situation, people are suffering from intense humidity and sticky heat even in the morning. People going to work, students, and the elderly are particularly affected. In many areas of the city, people are complaining of sweating and heat even in the morning.

According to the Meteorological Department, this situation occurs when sea breezes and local humidity combine to increase the humidity in the atmosphere. This does not reduce the heat even at the beginning of the day.

Locals say that this year, along with the heat, the humidity levels are also unusually high, disrupting normal daily routines. People are preferring to go out only in the morning and evening, while the situation becomes even more severe in the afternoon.

Weather experts have predicted similar conditions in the coming days, unless there is rain or a change in the winds.

For now, the people of Bhubaneswar are waiting for relief from the rising humidity and heat index, while the administration and health experts have advised people to drink more water and avoid sun exposure.