Climate of Odisha

The climate of Odisha, an east Indian state that hugs the coast of the Bay of Bengal is represented by a tropical monsoon weather. Searing hot summers with considerably high monsoon downpours and cool and pleasant winters mark the Odisha climate.

The climate of Odisha is distinctly related to the geography of Odisha. Odisha lying just South of the Tropic of Cancer, has a tropical climate. Broadly speaking the weather of Odisha can be classified under three heads namely, summer (March-June), monsoon (July-September) and winter(October-February). The state is also endowed with relatively short stints of the refreshing spring and the mellow autumn. The scorching heat of the Odisha summer makes the mercury soars to unbearable heights. However, Monsoon soon creeps in to offer a welcome break. During monsoon, the cumulonimbus clouds unfold with driving rains that wash the terrains and unfold a rich blue sky.

It is warm almost throughout the year in the Western districts of Sundergarh, Sambalpur, Baragarh, Bolangir, Kalahandi and Mayurbhanj with maximum temperature hovering between 40-46° C and in winter, it is intolerably cool ( temperature ranges between 7-9° C ). In the coastal districts, the climate is equable but highly humid and sticky. The summer maximum temperature ranges between 35-40° C and the low temperatures are usually between 12-14° C. Winter is not very severe except in some areas in Koraput and Phulbani where minimum temperature may drop to 3-4° C.

The average rainfall is 200 cm, experienced as the result of south west monsoon during July-September. By early June, the southwest monsoon announces its arrival in the state and departs by the middle of October. The month of July is the wettest and the major rivers may get flooded. The state also experiences small rainfall from the retreating monsoon in the months of October-November. The rains also play a pivotal role in agriculture, the principal source of livelihood of the populace of Orissa. January and February are dry.