Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), April 25: Odisha is bracing for an extended period of scorching temperatures, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts heatwave to severe heatwave conditions persisting across various parts of the state for the next five days. Red warnings have been issued for several districts on April 26-27.
According to the midday bulletin, the mercury is expected to climb by 2-4°C in many places in Odisha over the next 3 to 4 days, with daytime temperatures likely to remain at 40°C or higher in coastal districts due to prevailing northwesterly to westerly dry air and intense solar radiation.
Forecasts suggest that the mercury may soar to 45°C in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack on April 29-30 and May 1, with Jharsuguda and Balangir experiencing even higher temperatures at 46°C.
As of 2:30 pm, Bhubaneswar recorded 42.2°C, the second-highest after Jharsuguda at 43.6°C. Other areas experiencing temperatures exceeding 40°C include Hirakud (42.2°C), Sambalpur (42.2°C), Keonjhar (41.8°C), Chandbali (41.8°C), Rourkela (41.4°C), and Balasore (41°C).
Private forecaster Skymet has also warned of escalating extreme heat conditions in Odisha post-April 28. “Plenty of sunshine will intensify the dry heat over the interior parts of Odisha. Mercury levels may reach around 45°C at many places during the last days of April and the first week of May,” it stated.
Titlagarh, Sambalpur, Malkangiri, Koraput, Balangir, Angul, and Keonjhar are projected to exceed their normal temperature ranges by 5-7°C. The extreme heat could extend to Cuttack, Bhubaneshwar, Baripada, Rourkela, and Rayagada, Skymet added.
