Bhubaneswar, Feb. 18: The winter this year did not have its usual bite, but be prepared for a gruelling summer, the regional officer of the India Meteorological Department here has said.

Weather experts say that the average temperature could be higher than normal by as much as four degrees Celsius, especially in March and April.

"The mercury level has been higher than normal for the past three to four months in the city. The El Nino effect is causing fluctuations in the minimum and maximum temperatures across the state," said director Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre Sarat Chandra Sahu.

Sahu said deficient rain affected winter and this would continue to push up temperature during summer too. "People should take precautions so that they don't fall prey to sunstrokes," he said.

According to the data obtained from the meteorological centre here, the city's maximum and minimum temperatures in February this year is higher than what it has been in the past three years. Another cause for concern is the complete absence of rain in Bhubaneswar in February.

Last year, the city had recorded the highest temperature of 37.2°C in February. The highest for the month in 2013 and 2014 was 37°C. Today, the city, as well as the state, experienced the highest temperature for the month with the mercury hitting 39.2°C.

"Bhubaneswar had witnessed a harsh summer in 2012 when the maximum temperature touched a high of 40.1°C. There was no rain in February that year. This year, too, the city hasn't received any rainfall and the temperature is climbing. That is the concern," said Sahu.

Weather experts have been expressing concern over the deficit rainfall last year. They say this will impact both summer and winter this year.

"Rapid urbanisation, unchecked cutting of trees and other anti-environment activities are leading to climate change. Once known for its greenery, the city has lost many trees in the name of development," said environmentalist Sailabala Padhi.

Scarves and umbrellas are already out in the city with residents keen to shield themselves from the sun. Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation is also planning to set up water kiosks across the city shortly.

"This is February and the sunrays are already so harsh and hurting that we need to take precautionary measures. If this is the situation at this time of the year, one can easily imagine what it would be like at the peak of summer," said Susree Ankita, a student at Rama Devi Women's University.