Odisha Reels Under Severe Heatwave, 19 Places Record Temperatures Above 40°C

Odisha remained in the grip of an intense heatwave on Sunday, with 19 locations across the state registering maximum temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre, in its evening bulletin, reported that Sambalpur was the hottest location, recording a searing 43.2°C. It was closely followed by Titlagarh at 42.5°C and Bolangir at 42°C, indicating sustained high temperatures in the western belt of the state.

Other districts that experienced sweltering conditions included Sundargarh (41.8°C), Angul (41.7°C), and Jharsuguda and Hirakud, both at 41.6°C. Several other areas, including Boudh, Talcher, and Sonepur, also saw temperatures crossing the 40-degree mark, the report said.

The weather office has attributed the extreme temperatures to dry continental winds and strong solar radiation, which have been prevailing over Odisha for the past few days. The IMD has issued warnings advising residents to avoid direct exposure to the sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and to stay hydrated.

The heatwave is expected to persist over several parts of the state in the coming days, prompting health and disaster management authorities to remain on high alert.

Educational institutions and outdoor labor-intensive activities may also be impacted if the extreme weather conditions continue, officials warned.