Orange alert in Odisha as mercury rising

Bhubaneswar: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMT) on Tuesday issued orange alert across Odisha predicting further intensification of heat wave conditions in the state.

It is expected that the temperature may breach the 47 degree mark even though several parts of the state may experience thundershowers.

16 towns of Odisha on Monday recorded above 40 degree Celsius making lives unbearable. Out the 16 towns, two cities recorded above 46 degree Celsius while mercury hovered above 45 degrees in four cities.

Western Odisha town Bolangir boiled at 46.2 degrees while Jharsuguda recorded 46 degrees. Sambalpur, Hirakud, Titlagarh and Sonepur recorded above 45 degrees.

Bhubaneswar met centre director Sarat Chandra Sahu said the intense heat wave would continue till May 22.