Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), April 26: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a warning on Friday, indicating that Odisha will grapple with severe heatwave conditions until April 30.
The IMD’s midday bulletin highlighted a red alert spanning five days, cautioning of a gradual rise in day temperatures by 2°C to 3°C across many areas in the state over the next three days. This surge, attributed to prevailing northwesterly/westerly dry air and intense solar radiation, is expected to maintain mercury levels 4 to 6°C above normal in select districts for the subsequent 4 to 5 days. Residents are advised to exercise caution when venturing outdoors, especially during peak hours between 11 am and 3 pm.
Additionally, the bulletin noted the likelihood of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and light to moderate rainfall in certain parts of Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Keonjhar, and Cuttack districts during the afternoon.
As of 11:30 am, Jharsuguda recorded the highest maximum temperature at 40.4°C, trailed closely by Sambalpur and Keonjhar at 40°C each. Other regions experiencing elevated temperatures include Chandbali (39.6°C), Bhubaneswar (39.2°C), Hirakud (39.2°C), Balasore (39°C), and Rourkela (38.8°C).
Earlier forecasts from the IMD extended the period of dry weather with isolated severe heatwaves and thunderstorm activity in Odisha from April 26 to May 9.
