Odisha witnessed a sharp rise in temperatures on Friday, with Jharsuguda recording the state’s highest temperature at 41.8°C, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The IMD has warned of persistent heatwave conditions across the state from March 14-18. On Friday, at least 12 locations in Odisha recorded temperatures of 40°C or above, with Angul following closely at 41.1°C. Bolangir and Titlagarh recorded 40°C each.
Other places exceeding the 40°C mark included Sonepur, Boudh, and Bhawanipatna (40.5°C each), Sambalpur (40.3°C), Hirakud, Sundergarh, and Dhenkanal (40.1°C each), while Bhadrak reported 40°C.
Bhubaneswar recorded a temperature of 37.2°C with a relative humidity of 78%, while Cuttack registered 38.2°C with similar humidity levels.
IMD Bhubaneswar Director Manorama Mohanty cautioned that hot and humid conditions would prevail in Odisha’s coastal regions. Meanwhile, an ‘orange warning’—indicating the need for preparedness—has been issued for Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, and Mayurbhanj on Saturday.
Additionally, heatwave conditions are expected to impact parts of Sundergarh, Boudh, and Bolangir. Authorities advise residents to take necessary precautions against the rising temperatures.