Bhubaneswar, May 28 (Representative) Odisha is reeling under intense heatwave conditions with day temperatures rising to above 40 degree Celsius in as many as 17 locations in the state. Boudh became the hottest place in the state with mercury rising to an unprecedented 45.9 degree Celsius followed by 45.3 degree Celsius in Sonepur in Western Odisha and 45 degree Celsius in Titlagarh, also in Western Odisha. In most parts of Western Odisha such as Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Bolangir and Bhawanipatna,the day temperature is hovering over 44 degree Celsius.
The twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack recorded day temperatures above 39 degree Celsius. IMD sources said due to prevailing dry conditions in the state and strengthening of northwesterly dry winds in middle & upper level of the atmosphere, maximum temperature (Day Temperature) likely to be 40°C or more at many places in the districts of interior Odisha from May 28 to June 1 next. Consequently maximum temperature (Day Temperature) is likely to be above normal by 2 to 4 degree Celsius over some districts of interior Odisha from May 28 to June 1 and above normal by 2 to 3 degree Celsius over few districts of coastal Odisha. Due to absence of any major synoptic features and presence of high humidity in lower levels, hot & humid conditions are very likely over coastal Odisha during the next 3-4 days,the IMD bulletin said.
However, establishment of a north-south trough like features towards June 1, likely to trigger thunderstorms activity from June 1 onwards over some districts of coastal Odisha. The IMD had advised the people to take precautionary measures while going outside during the peak hours of the day between 1100 hours to 1500 hours. There will be gradual rise in Maximum temperature (Day Temperature) by 2 to 3 degree Celsius during next 2 days at many places over the district of Odisha & there will be no large change thereafter. The IMD has issued yellow warning of hot and humid weather condition at one or two places in Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Ganjam, and Gajapati districts from May 28-30. The heatwave conditions are also likely to prevail in Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Balangir, Sambalpur, and Nuapada districts on May 29 and May 30, it said.