Weather experts have predicted that Odisha may witness above-normal temperatures during the summer of 2026, though the intensity of heat is expected to be lower than the extreme conditions recorded in 2023 and 2024. Scientists say the forecast is influenced by current climate patterns linked to the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which plays a key role in seasonal temperature variations.
At present, weak La Nina conditions are prevailing and are likely to shift to a neutral phase, with a developing El Nina possibly emerging during the northern hemisphere summer. Experts note that such conditions usually do not lead to prolonged heatwaves. While the March–May period may remain warmer than average, intermittent rainfall and Kalboisakhi thunderstorms could provide periodic relief.
However, specialists have cautioned that urban heat island effects may intensify local temperatures in cities such as Bhubaneswar and industrial regions including Angul-Talcher and Jharsuguda. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said that a clearer picture of the summer outlook will be available by late February.
