As summer tightens its fiery grip, Odisha is reeling under an intense heatwave that shows no signs of letting up. Daytime temperatures have already breached the 43°C mark in several parts of the state, with the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) forecasting a further spike of up to 3 degrees and possible highs of 45°C by April 20. Warm, sleepless nights and sticky coastal humidity are compounding the misery, while scattered Kalbaisakhi thunderstorms offer only brief, localised relief.
In the last 24 hours, ten cities recorded temperatures above 40°C, turning daily life into a battle against the sun. Titlagarh emerged as the hottest spot on Friday, scorching at a blistering 43.5°C — the highest in the state. Other sweltering locations included Balangir (42.3°C), Bhawanipatna and Nuapada (both 41.5°C), Jharsuguda and Sambalpur (both 41.2°C), Hirakud (41°C), Boudh (40.5°C), Sonepur (40.4°C) and Malkangiri (40.2°C).
Night temperatures are refusing to cool down either. Titlagarh recorded a sultry 29.5°C, while Balangir and Sambalpur have been placed on alert for “warm nights” with minimums likely to cross 30°C — making restful sleep almost impossible for residents.
RMC Director Manorama Mohanty warned that the extreme conditions will persist until April 20. “Daytime temperatures may cross 45°C in some pockets,” she said, while issuing a Yellow Warning for the entire state.
Saturday’s Outlook:
- Thunderstorm Alert: Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Ganjam and Gajapati districts may see Kalbaisakhi with gusty winds of 30-40 kmph.
- Heatwave Warning: Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Balangir, Kalahandi and Sambalpur.
- Warm Nights: Sundargarh, Balangir and Sambalpur.
- Humid Conditions: Coastal belt including Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khordha, Nayagarh, Ganjam and Gajapati.
The good news? From April 21, Kalbaisakhi activity is expected to ease the heatwave and warm nights across most districts. However, the coastal regions will continue to experience uncomfortable humid conditions.
With schools, offices and outdoor workers already feeling the brunt, authorities have urged people to stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight between 12 noon and 3 pm, and take extra care of the elderly and children. The heat is not just uncomfortable — it is becoming dangerous.
