Climate of Odisha: Odisha, a state located on the eastern coast of India, is known for its diverse climatic conditions shaped by its proximity to the Bay of Bengal. The state’s climate is predominantly classified as tropical monsoon, characterized by hot summers, humid monsoons, and mild winters. Odisha’s weather patterns are significantly influenced by the sea, resulting in a relatively equable climate throughout the year.
The state experiences three main seasons — summer, monsoon, and winter — each playing a crucial role in the region’s agriculture, economy, and lifestyle. Odisha is also susceptible to tropical cyclones due to its location along the Bay of Bengal, which frequently brings heavy rains, strong winds, and occasional floods. These climatic factors impact not only the livelihoods of the people but also the region’s biodiversity and natural ecosystems.
Understanding the climate of Odisha is essential for disaster preparedness, agricultural planning, and sustainable development. This post provides an in-depth overview of Odisha’s climatic features, including its seasonal patterns, rainfall distribution, and vulnerability to cyclones, offering valuable insights into the state’s weather dynamics.
Table of Contents
Odisha has a tropical monsoon climate, greatly influenced by its proximity to the sea. Summers are typically very hot, monsoons are hot and wet, while winters are generally pleasant. Despite seasonal variations, the state’s weather remains relatively equable year-round. Odisha experiences three primary seasons as detailed below:
Seasons in Odisha
1. Summer Season
- Duration: March to June
- Temperature: Maximum temperatures often exceed 40°C.
- Notable Areas: Western districts like Sundargarh, Sambalpur, Baragarh, Balangir, Kalahandi, and Mayurbhanj frequently experience temperatures between 40-46°C.
2. Rainy Season
- Duration: July to mid-October
- Rainfall Patterns:
- North and North-Eastern Odisha experience rainfall variability below 15%.
- South and South-Western Odisha see a variability of 15-20%.
- Monsoon Details:
- The South-West Monsoon arrives between June 5 and 10 in coastal areas, covering the entire state by July.
- By mid-October, the monsoon withdraws completely.
- Cyclones and Tornadoes: Coastal areas are prone to cyclones and tornadoes.
- Rainfall Statistics:
- Average rainfall: 200 cm, mostly during July-September, with July being the wettest month.
- Humidity: Coastal regions have about 75% relative humidity, while inland areas maintain around 60%.
- High Annual Rainfall Regions:
- Includes catchment basins of Budhabalanga, Baitarani, Brahmani, and Ib rivers, covering districts like Mayurbhanj and parts of Kendujhar, Angul, Sundargarh, and Sambalpur.
- South-East Odisha also experiences significant rainfall in areas like Bhadrak, Sukinda, Kendrapara, and Cuttack.
- Low Annual Rainfall Regions:
- Areas receiving 135 cm or less rainfall include catchments of Vamsadhara and Rushikulya rivers, parts of Koraput, Ganjam, Western Puri, and other uplands not directly influenced by cyclones or monsoonal winds.
3. Winter Season
- Duration: Mid-October to February
- Temperature: Coastal areas experience 18-25°C, while interior regions see temperatures as low as 7°C.
- Notable Areas: Koraput and Kandhamal occasionally experience minimum temperatures of 3-4°C.
- Rainfall: Minimal rainfall occurs in October-November; January-February remain dry. Thunder showers are common in Southern and Western Odisha.
4. Local Seasonal Divisions in Odisha
While Odisha recognizes three main seasons, local traditions divide the year into six distinct seasons:
- Grishma (Summer): Mid-April to mid-June (Vaisakha and Jyestha).
- Barsa (Rainy): Mid-June to mid-August (Ashadha and Sravana).
- Sharad (Autumn): Mid-August to mid-October (Bhadraba and Aswina).
- Hemanta (Early Winter): Mid-October to mid-December (Kartik and Margasira).
- Sisira (Winter): Mid-December to mid-February (Pausa and Magha).
- Basanta (Spring): Mid-February to mid-April (Falguna and Chaitra).
This climatic framework highlights Odisha’s seasonal diversity and its influence on the state’s lifestyle and agriculture.
Rainfall in Odisha
Rainfall in Odisha occurs primarily during the monsoon and winter seasons. It plays a crucial role in the state’s agriculture, especially in paddy cultivation. A detailed account of Odisha’s rainfall patterns is given below:
1. Monsoon Rainfall
Monsoon rainfall is the most significant form of precipitation in Odisha, as it directly influences crop production. Monsoon rainfall above 140 cm is classified as high rainfall, while rainfall below 120 cm is considered low rainfall, which is often insufficient for a successful paddy harvest.
High Monsoon Rainfall Regions
- Ib River Basin and Northern Baitarani Basin: Includes Eastern Sambalpur, Western Sundargarh, and Sadar sub-division of Keonjhar district.
- Phulbani and Phiringia Regions: These areas receive heavy monsoon rainfall.
Low Monsoon Rainfall Regions
- South-West Odisha: This region receives comparatively low rainfall during the monsoon season.
- Middle Baitarani Basin: Extends to the North-East of Talcher, where monsoon rainfall is also low.
2. Winter Rainfall
Winter rainfall, though less frequent, is crucial for the growth of rabi crops in Odisha. Winter rainfall above 5 cm is classified as high winter rainfall, while less than 2.5 cm is regarded as low winter rainfall.
High Winter Rainfall Regions
- North Odisha: From Baripada in the east to Sundargarh in the west, including the northeastern parts of Sambalpur, northern Keonjhar, most of Mayurbhanj, and central Balasore.
- Coastal Areas: Regions like Puri and Khurda receive more than 5 cm of rainfall during the winter.
- Phulbani and Phiringia Plateau: This area experiences high rainfall during the winter season.
Low Winter Rainfall Regions
- South-West Odisha: This region, particularly the district of Koraput, receives low rainfall during winter. It is predominantly a single-crop region, relying on monsoon rains for cultivation.
The distinct patterns of monsoon and winter rainfall in Odisha have a direct impact on the state’s agriculture, water resources, and livelihoods. The high rainfall regions are crucial for the cultivation of paddy, while the low rainfall areas depend on irrigation support for crop production.
Climatic Regions in Odisha
The climate of Odisha has been classified differently by various geographers based on distinct parameters. The key classifications are as follows:
- Koppen’s Classification: Odisha’s climate is categorized as tropical savannah (Aw).
- Thornthwaite’s Classification: It is classified as a sub-humid climate with deficient winter rainfall.
- S.B. Chatterjee’s Classification: The coastal region of Odisha falls under the tropical savannah climate category.
Agro-Climatic Zones in Odisha
To facilitate agricultural planning and development, Odisha’s Forest and Environment Department has divided the state into 10 distinct agro-climatic zones. Each zone has unique climatic, soil, and geographic characteristics that influence agricultural practices.
| Agro-Climatic Zone | Agricultural Districts | Climate | Broad Soil Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. North-Western Plateau | Sundargarh, parts of Deogarh, Sambalpur, and Jharsuguda | Hot and moist sub-humid | Red, Brown Forest, Red & Yellow, Mixed Red & Black |
| 2. North-Central Plateau | Mayurbhanj, major parts of Keonjhar (except Anandpur & Ghasipur) | Hot and moist sub-humid | Red & Yellow, Mixed Red & Black, Laterite |
| 3. North-Eastern Coastal Plain | Balasore, Bhadrak, parts of Jajpur & Hatadihi block of Keonjhar | Moist sub-humid | Red, Deltaic Alluvial, Coastal Alluvial, Saline |
| 4. East & South-Eastern Coastal Plain | Kendrapara, Khurda, parts of Cuttack, Puri, Nayagarh, Ganjam, Jagatsinghpur | Hot and humid | Saline, Red, Mixed Red & Black, Laterite, Alluvial |
| 5. North-Eastern Ghats | Phulbani, Rayagada, Gajapati, parts of Ganjam, small patches of Koraput | Hot and moist sub-humid | Brown Forest, Red, Mixed Red & Black, Laterite, Alluvial |
| 6. Eastern Ghats Highland | Major parts of Koraput, Nabarangpur | Warm and humid | Red, Mixed Red & Black, Mixed Red & Yellow |
| 7. South-Eastern Ghats | Malkangiri, parts of Keonjhar | Warm and humid | Red, Black, Laterite |
| 8. Western Undulating Zone | Kalahandi, Nuapada | Hot and moist sub-humid | Red, Mixed Red & Black |
| 9. Western Central Table Land | Bargarh, Balangir, Boudh, Sonepur, parts of Sambalpur & Jharsuguda | Hot and moist sub-humid | Red, Yellow, Red & Black, Black, Brown Forest, Laterite |
| 10. Mid Central Table Land | Angul, Dhenkanal, parts of Cuttack & Jajpur | Hot and moist sub-humid | Alluvial, Red, Mixed Red & Black, Laterite |
The climatic classification and agro-climatic zoning of Odisha provide a framework for sustainable agricultural practices and resource management. While Koppen and other geographers focus on broad climatic patterns, the agro-climatic zones offer a more specific, practical division for agricultural planning. These zones are defined by temperature, humidity, soil type, and rainfall, influencing the types of crops grown in each region.
Cyclones in Odisha
A cyclone is a large, rotating mass of air with a low-pressure center surrounded by a high-pressure air mass. It is characterized by inward-spiraling winds that rotate anti-clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.
Due to its coastal location along the Bay of Bengal, Odisha frequently experiences cyclonic storms that cause widespread destruction. Cyclones have become a regular occurrence, impacting both human lives and infrastructure.
Major Cyclones in Odisha
1. Odisha Super Cyclone (1999)
- Duration: 25th October – 4th November 1999
- Category: Super Cyclonic Storm
- Impact: Known as the most devastating cyclone in Odisha’s history, it caused massive destruction and widespread flooding. The cyclone led to significant loss of life and property along the coast, making it a landmark event in Odisha’s disaster history.
2. Cyclone Titli (2018)
- Duration: 8th – 12th October 2018
- Category: Severe Cyclonic Storm
- Affected Areas: Ganjam and Gajapati districts in Southeast Odisha.
- Impact: It caused significant damage to infrastructure, agricultural crops, and human settlements in the affected districts.
3. Cyclone Hudhud (2014)
- Duration: 8th – 14th October 2014
- Category: Very Severe Cyclonic Storm
- Affected Areas: 16 districts in Odisha; Andhra Pradesh and the Andaman Islands were also affected.
- Impact: It brought heavy rainfall and strong winds, causing damage to property and agriculture.
4. Cyclone Phailin (2013)
- Duration: 5th – 14th October 2013
- Category: Very Severe Cyclonic Storm
- Affected Areas: Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and the Andaman Islands. Gopalpur in Ganjam district was heavily affected.
- Impact: Phailin was a powerful tropical cyclone, and large-scale evacuations were carried out, which minimized the loss of human life.
List of Cyclones that Hit Odisha’s Coast
| Name of Cyclone | Date/Year | Category | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cyclone Titli | 8th – 12th October 2018 | Severe Cyclonic Storm | Affected Ganjam & Gajapati districts |
| Cyclone Hudhud | 8th – 14th October 2014 | Very Severe Cyclonic Storm | Affected 16 districts of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Andaman Islands |
| Cyclone Helen | 19th – 23rd November 2013 | Severe Cyclonic Storm | Impacted Andhra Pradesh, minimal impact in Odisha |
| Cyclone Phailin | 5th – 14th October 2013 | Very Severe Cyclonic Storm | Severely affected Gopalpur (Ganjam) |
| Cyclone Viyaru | 10th – 17th May 2013 | Severe Cyclonic Storm | Minimal impact on Odisha |
| Cyclone Bijli | 14th – 17th April 2009 | Severe Cyclonic Storm | Minor impact on Odisha |
| Odisha Cyclone | 25th October – 4th November 1999 | Super Cyclonic Storm | Massive destruction, widespread flooding |
The coastal location of Odisha makes it vulnerable to cyclonic storms, especially during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. The Odisha Super Cyclone of 1999 remains the most devastating in the state’s history, but subsequent cyclones like Phailin (2013), Hudhud (2014), and Titli (2018) also caused severe damage. Over the years, Odisha has significantly improved its disaster preparedness and early warning systems, which has helped reduce loss of life during such natural calamities.
Conclusion
The climate of Odisha is predominantly influenced by its tropical monsoon nature and proximity to the Bay of Bengal. The state experiences three main seasons — summer, monsoon, and winter — along with six locally recognized seasonal divisions. Odisha’s climate supports diverse ecosystems, agricultural activities, and livelihoods. However, it also makes the state vulnerable to natural disasters like cyclones, floods, and droughts.
The classification of climatic regions and agro-climatic zones in Odisha plays a crucial role in resource planning, disaster preparedness, and sustainable agriculture. Over the years, Odisha has faced some of the most destructive cyclones, including the Super Cyclone of 1999, which highlighted the need for robust disaster management systems. Today, the state has made significant progress in disaster mitigation and early warning systems, ensuring better resilience against climate-induced risks.
With ongoing climate change, Odisha faces new challenges, including erratic weather patterns and rising sea levels. Effective climate policies, sustainable land use, and disaster preparedness are essential to minimize the impact of climate change on the state’s economy and communities. By leveraging traditional knowledge and modern technology, Odisha can continue to safeguard its natural and human resources for a more resilient future.