Intense heat gripped Odisha on Thursday, with the mercury crossing the 40-degree mark in several areas and Jharsuguda emerging as the hottest spot at 40.8°C, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Bhubaneswar.
The industrial town of Jharsuguda not only breached the 40°C threshold but recorded the state’s highest daytime temperature of the season so far. RMC Director Manorama Mohanty highlighted that temperatures exceeded 39°C in nine locations across the state, signalling a sharp escalation in heat conditions.
Bhubaneswar joined the heat list by surpassing 38°C for the first time this year, underscoring the early arrival of summer-like conditions. Mohanty attributed the rise to prevailing weather patterns leading to increased daytime maxima.
The RMC forecast indicates no significant relief in the immediate term, with maximum temperatures expected to remain elevated over the next two days. However, a slight decrease is anticipated on March 15 and 16, accompanied by scattered rainfall in some districts.
An alert has been issued for possible thundershowers, particularly in northern and coastal Odisha. Gusty surface winds reaching 30-40 kmph are also likely in affected areas, prompting caution for residents.
As Odisha faces this early heat surge amid forecasts of above-normal summer temperatures, authorities advise staying indoors during peak hours, hydrating frequently, and avoiding direct sun exposure to prevent heat-related illnesses.
