Paralakhemundi,(Tarini Prasad Panda): Even as severe heatwave conditions continue to grip Gajapati district with rising temperatures and deserted streets during daytime hours, the mythologically significant Mahendragiri hill has been witnessing a rare natural phenomenon of dense fog during midday hours.
With temperatures soaring across the district after 10 a.m., people are largely avoiding outdoor movement due to the intense summer heat. However, in sharp contrast to the blistering conditions in the plains, Mahendragiri hill has been experiencing sudden weather transformations over the past several days.
Locals and tourists have observed that around noon — when the sun is expected to be at its peak — thick fog unexpectedly blankets the entire Mahendragiri summit, creating an atmosphere more akin to winter than peak summer.
Visitors reaching the hill station expressed surprise over the rapidly changing weather conditions. According to tourists, Mahendragiri offers an experience similar to witnessing “six seasons in a single day,” with intense heat suddenly giving way to fog, cool breeze and even rain-bearing winds within a short span of time.
Laxmibaba, head of the Mahendra Ashram located atop the hill, said Mahendragiri stands nearly 5,000 feet above sea level, making sudden climatic changes a frequent occurrence. Popularly known as the “abode of clouds,” the hill often experiences dense fog, chilly weather and occasional rainfall even during summer afternoons.
The rare sight of thick fog during peak summer has once again highlighted Mahendragiri’s unique ecological and climatic character, drawing curiosity and admiration from nature lovers and tourists alike.
