Intense heat wave hits Odisha, IMD issues warnings for rising temperatures

Bhubaneswar: Prevailing intense heat wave, accompanied by high humidity, has severely disrupted normal life in Odisha. The regional office of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued orange and yellow warnings on Sunday, indicating that the day temperatures are expected to further soar in several districts of the state over the next three to four days.

By 2:30 pm, Jharsuguda and Sambalpur in western Odisha registered a scorching maximum temperature of 43.2°C, closely followed by Hirakud at 42.4°C. The capital city of Bhubaneswar recorded a temperature of 41.8°C, while Chandabali stood at 39.2°C, Keonjhar at 39.0°C, Puri at 36.8°C, and Balasore at 36.2°C.

According to the IMD, the maximum temperature during the daytime is expected to be above normal by 4-6°C in a few places across various districts of Odisha over the next three days. As a result, hot and uncomfortable weather conditions are anticipated to prevail during this period.

The weather office issued an orange warning, indicating a severe heat wave, for one or two places in Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Sonepur, Boudh, Sambalpur, Balangir, Kandhamal, and Keonjhar districts. Furthermore, a yellow warning was issued for the Sundargarh, Nuapada, Kalahandi, Nayagarh, Mayurbhanj, Angul, and Deogarh districts.

Similarly, an orange warning was issued for Monday, indicating heat and severe heat wave conditions, in certain areas of Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Bargarh, Sonepur, Boudh, Balangir, Kalahandi, and Keonjhar districts. Additionally, a yellow warning was issued for parts of the Sundargarh, Kandhamal, Nuapada, and Mayurbhanj districts.

Looking ahead, the IMD issued an orange warning for Tuesday in specific areas of Bargarh, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Sonepur, and Boudh districts, where heat waves and severe heat waves are expected to persist.