Why temperature shoots up in Bhubaneswar? Here’s what Odisha weather scientist says

Bhubaneswar: In the first week of April month, Bhubaneswar recorded 43.5 degree Celsius yesterday becoming the hottest place in Odisha and the second-hottest city in India.

Senior scientist of Bhubaneswar MeT, Umashankar Das, termed it an urban heat island effect for which the temperature soared high in the capital city crossing 40 degree Celsius as compared to other places in the state.

Bhubaneswar recorded 36-37 degree Celsius in past 2-3 days. The day temperature suddenly rose above 40 degree Celsius on Friday, an increase by 6.3 degree Celsius against Thursday. The city came under the severe heatwave category with the rise in maximum temperature.

Explaining the reason behind the sudden rise in mercury in Bhubaneswar, the meteorologist said, “As compared to other places adjacent to the city including Cuttack, Khordha and Nayagarh, the urbanisation is growing rapidly in Bhubaneswar. The concrete structures, decrease in waterbodies and greeneries across Bhubaneswar are the chief factors that made the city the hottest place in Odisha.

“The process of urbanisation which we call ‘urban heat island effect’ is the reason behind temperature rise in Bhubaneswar,” he said.