• Relief Expected from March 19 with Nor’wester in Western and Interior Northern Regions
Odisha is reeling under an intense heatwave as temperatures soared across the state on Sunday.
For the second consecutive day, Boudh has become the hottest city in the country, while Jharsuguda has recorded the second-highest temperature in the nation at a sweltering 43.6°C.
The intense heat is likely to persist across the state until March 18. However, from March 19, wind, lightning storms, and rain may bring some relief, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre.
Temperatures in seven cities have crossed the 40°C mark. Besides Jharsuguda’s scorching heat, Balangir recorded 41.7°C, Angul 41.1°C, and Sundargarh 40.3°C, among others.
The twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack experienced relatively milder conditions, registering maximum temperatures of 36.8°C and 37°C, respectively.
The Regional Meteorological Centre has issued a red warning for severe heatwave conditions in districts like Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, and Kalahandi on Monday. An orange warning has been issued for Sundargarh, Sonpur, Balangir, and Boudh. Meanwhile, coastal districts are under a yellow warning for hot and humid conditions.
From March 19, nor’westers accompanied by rain and winds at a speed of 30-40 km/h are expected to bring relief to Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Keonjhar, and adjoining areas. This respite is likely to continue with light rain in some places until March 22.
