Odisha is battling one of its most intense April heat spells in recent memory, with life grinding to a halt under a blistering sun.
On Thursday, the mercury crossed the 40°C mark in 11 cities across the state, turning streets into furnaces and forcing residents to seek whatever shade they could find.
According to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Titlagarh recorded the highest temperature at a searing 43.7°C, while Jharsuguda followed closely at 43.6°C. Other towns including Balangir, Bhawanipatna, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Boudh, Angul, Sundargarh, Hirakud and Nuapada also sizzled above 40°C. In the capital Bhubaneswar and coastal districts, the combination of extreme heat and soaring humidity has made conditions feel even more unbearable, with people complaining of constant discomfort and exhaustion.
The RMC has warned that the situation will worsen before it eases. A heatwave is likely to sweep several districts between April 18 and 20, pushing maximum temperatures in western and interior Odisha to a dangerous 42–45°C. Coastal areas will continue to suffer from high humidity, making the air feel like a steam bath.
After April 22, the occasional relief brought by Kalbaisakhi thunderstorms is expected to fade gradually, paving the way for drier and even hotter weather. For the next 24 hours, a yellow warning for hot and humid conditions has been issued for some coastal districts.
In response, the state administration has ordered schools and colleges to hold classes only in the morning. People have been strictly advised to avoid stepping out between 11 am and 3:30 pm. Health officials are urging everyone to drink plenty of water, stay in shaded areas, cover their heads, and wear light cotton clothes. Elderly citizens, children, pregnant women and patients need extra care.
RMC Director Manorama Mohanty said the intense April heat is here to stay for some more days. “We request the public not to venture out unnecessarily and to remain alert,” she appealed. “If anyone feels unwell, consult a doctor immediately.”
With no major relief in sight, authorities are urging every citizen to treat this heatwave with respect and stay safe.
