Bhubaneswar: The prevailing humidity might delay the arrival of southwest monsoon to the state by a little, said the local meteorological centre in the city.

"The climate is like this because the moisture remains intact in the atmosphere, and it cannot move out since the wind flow is not that good. Such a situation will continue for few more days, but it will improve once the squall continues to occur," said Met director Sarat Chandra Sahu.

According to the prediction, the southwest monsoon is likely to make an onset in the state before June 10.

Sahu said this particular weather condition might delay arrival of the southwest monsoon. "The condition had been favourable for the advance arrival of monsoon to the state. But, the present situation might delay the onset by a few days. However, it will come early compare to the last year," said the weatherman.

On the other hand, the humidity has made life miserable for the city's residents in the concluding days of summer.

"I have been sweating like anything for three days. It is not a scorching heat, but the humidity has gone beyond the limit. The situation remains the same both in the morning and evening," said Acharya Vihar resident Sampad Mohanty.

The Met centre has recorded the humidity level at an average of 85 per cent at 8.30am and around 75 per cent in the evening hours. The maximum temperature was around 37°C and the minimum at an average of 27°C. "It has become unbearable. You have no choice other than remaining indoor to save yourself from the humidity," said Kharavela Nagar resident Anand Hota.

Environmentalists appear concerned over the heat island effect in the city. "The researchers at IIT-Bhubaneswar have found that the city's rapid growth and its decreasing green cover are contributing to the heat island effect here," said environmentalist Alok Mohanty.

The term heat island refers to an urban or metropolitan locality that is warmer than its surrounding areas because of human activities.