Sambalpur: Sambalpur Gets Relief from Rain After Hot Spell, But June Rainfall Still Below Average
Sambalpur receives welcome rainfall after intense heat, providing relief to residents. However, June’s total rainfall remains 25% below average, affecting agriculture.
Relief After Heavy Rainfall
Sambalpur: After nearly two months of scorching heat, Sambalpur residents have finally received relief from yesterday’s heavy rainfall. Despite the heatwave of the previous two days, there had been no sign of rain. However, today it rained intermittently, providing much-needed relief to the people. Some residents were seen enjoying the rain and getting soaked in it. Sambalpur received 164.54 mm of rainfall last month, compared to a June average of 217 mm. This month, the district received a record 402.5 mm of rainfall. With good rainfall on the first day of the month, people are hoping that the rain will match previous records.
It is worth noting that the nearby districts of Bargarh and Jharsuguda have experienced heavy rainfall in recent days. Temperatures in Sambalpur district had dropped due to cloud cover. However, the lack of rain and persistent humidity exposed people to extreme heat. Yesterday’s rain has provided relief to everyone. This year, the district experienced more severe drought conditions than previous years, causing significant hardship for the residents. The intense heat had resulted in numerous cases of heat stroke, with some fatalities reported.
25% Less Rainfall in June
Despite the approaching Rath Yatra, Sambalpur district has yet to receive the expected rainfall. Typically, June should receive approximately 217 mm of rainfall. However, in June, Sambalpur received only about 164 mm of rain, indicating a 25% deficit. There have only been nine days of rain this June. The recorded rainfall for these days is listed below: 2.79 mm on June 1; 26.07 mm on June 2; 27.85 mm on June 3; 10 mm on June 4; 301.8 mm on June 16; 9.29 mm on June 21, 17.36 mm on June 24; and 13.08 mm on June 30. The district’s highest rainfall was recorded on June 16 in Jamanakira block at 96.4 mm, while Sujomura block received 745 mm.
The district’s agriculture is suffering as a result of the below-average rainfall in June this year, compared to 306 mm in June 2023. Farming in Sambalpur typically starts after Snana Purnima. Farmers begin planting paddies in lowland fields and sowing rice in upland fields around this time. However, this year’s lack of rain has caused a delay in farming activities. The district is experiencing irregular and sparse rainfall, with some areas receiving heavy rain while neighboring regions remain dry. The soil is only slightly moist and not muddy enough to allow for effective farming. Despite this, farmers have begun to plow and plant seeds. Irrigated areas, which receive water from the Shasan Canal and the Sambalpur Canal, are resuming normal farming activities.
