Bhubaneswar: The year 2025 was a wild ride for weather in Odisha, India. The state faced intense heat waves and powerful cyclones, clearly reflecting the ongoing climate crisis.
At the beginning of the year, a heat dome settled over Western Odisha. In April, Jharsuguda hit a staggering 46.2°C, the hottest temperature ever recorded for that month. This extreme heat pushed local officials to rethink labor laws and school schedules to protect residents from heat-related illnesses. Urbanization and changing climate patterns were significant factors behind this unprecedented heat. The state’s electrical grid and water resources were heavily taxed during this time.
When the monsoon arrived, it brought relief but also chaos. Odisha received 108% of its average rainfall, with June and July alone seeing 613.9 mm, well above the typical 550.7 mm. While farmers benefited from the rain, helping stabilize crops, it also caused urban flooding and landslides in hilly areas.
October brought Severe Cyclonic Storm ‘Montha.’ This cyclone hit the Andhra-Odisha border with winds of 95 km/h and heavy rains that caused significant damage. In districts like Gajapati, 150 mm of rain fell in just 24 hours, leading to infrastructure failures and the evacuation of over 32,000 residents. This disaster highlighted the urgent need for effective disaster management strategies and clear guidelines for protecting lives and property.
As the year came to a close, temperatures dipped drastically. In late December, Phulbani recorded a low of 3°C, while Jharsuguda experienced its coldest December in 15 years at 6.5°C. This extreme variability—from sweltering heat in April to freezing temperatures in December—underscores the urgent need for better climate resilience strategies in Odisha. Experts urge that coordinated policies and sustainable practices are essential to protect the region’s future.
According to a 2023 report from the Indian Meteorological Department, climate events like those seen in 2025 could become more frequent. This reality emphasizes a collective responsibility to address climate change proactively.
As discussions continue on social media, many residents express a mix of concern and hope. The community is increasingly aware of the climate crisis and the necessity for collective action. The 2025 weather events were not just extreme—they were a call to arms for everyone to work toward a sustainable future.
