Intense heat continued to grip Odisha on Saturday, with daytime temperatures soaring above 40°C in three cities, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted severe heat persisting in the interior and western parts of the state for the next two weeks.
Jharsuguda emerged as the hottest place in the state, recording a maximum temperature of **40.2°C**, making it the most heat-affected urban centre. Titlagarh and Sambalpur also breached the 40°C mark, reaching exactly **40°C**. Other notable high readings included Bhawanipatna at **39.5°C**, Hirakud at **39.2°C**, Rourkela at **39.1°C**, Sundargarh and Sonepur at **39°C**, Bolangir at **38.5°C**, Bargarh at **38.2°C**, Puapada at **38°C**, Anugul at **37.7°C**, and Talcher at **37°C**.
In total, 13 cities recorded temperatures of **37°C** or higher, while another 10 hovered between **35°C** and **37°C**. The IMD highlighted that interior Odisha would experience particularly harsh heat, with most locations likely to see daytime maxima above 40°C in the coming days.
According to the IMD’s extended forecast, the state will face severe heat until March 26, with no major respite expected in the immediate term for western and interior regions. The agency has warned of “very hot” conditions prevailing across much of Odisha.
However, a change in weather patterns is anticipated starting Sunday. IMD scientist Dr. Rajashree VIPM stated that daytime temperatures are expected to drop by **3 to 5°C** over the next four days from Sunday onward. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds (30-50 kmph) are likely in several districts until March 18, along with rainfall.
A yellow warning has been issued for Mayurbhanj and Kendujhar districts on Sunday, while an orange warning for heavy rain with gusty winds is in place for Rayagada, Mayurbhanj, and Kendujhar. Yellow alerts extend to districts including Navrangpur, Anugul, Boudh, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Dhenkanal, Malkangiri, Koraput, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khordha, Nayagarh, Ganjam, and Gajapati.
Similar alerts for thunderstorms and rain persist on March 17 and 18 in select districts. Residents are advised to take precautions against heat-related illnesses, stay hydrated, and avoid peak sun hours until the weather shifts. The IMD continues to monitor the situation closely as Odisha transitions from extreme heat to potential pre-monsoon activity.
