Bhubaneswar, Feb. 28: Last three days' heavy downpour accompanied by thunder squalls brought the much-needed relief from the scorching heat and humidity. The Met department, however, predicts that the weather will remain sunny in the days to come.

Rainfall was almost evenly distributed at most of the places across the state, bringing down the maximum temperature of the day by 6 to 8 degrees Celsius.

This spring, Bhubaneswar remained the hottest place in the state for three consecutive days in mid-February. This had triggered concern among weather experts with some attributing it to climate change.

The season's highest temperature - 40.9 degrees Celsius - was recorded in Bhubaneswar on February 20. This was also the highest temperature recorded in February in the state capital in the last 10 years. However, with rain lashing Bhubaneswar and other parts of the state, the mercury plummeted to 31.5 degrees Celsius on February 27.

"The rain occurred due to a combination of both southeasterly and northeasterly winds that created an environment conducive for smooth flow of moisture. The southeasterly wind brought warm and humid air while the northeasterly wind brought cold and dry wind," said director of regional Met department Sarat Chandra Sahu.

Most parts of the state, including Bhubaneswar, have received moderate shower in the past 24 hours. The rainfall was the highest in Chandbali with 20mm, which was followed by 18mm rain in Talcher, 12.4mm in Gopalpur, 12mm in Dhenkanal and 11.6mm in Angul. Bhubaneswar recorded 4.8mm rain.

Sahu told The Telegraph that the impact of the wind would lessen in the next 24 hours, which will be followed by a comeback of the sunny weather condition. There will be a gradual increase in the day temperature across the state from March 3. However, the maximum temperature in the city may not cross the 37°C mark till March 10.

Rain or thundershower may occur at one or two places in south Odisha and the weather is most likely to remain dry in the rest of the state, predicted the Met department, while warning of a thunder squall which may accompany hail and gusty surface wind in the districts of coastal Odisha today.

"The mild shower over past few days has brought much relief to everyone. The weather in the capital city had become unbearable during the middle of February. I like the present weather condition. But, I am worried about the Met department's prediction of another dry spell," said Damana resident Mahima Nahak.