Mercury has soared to 35°C or higher in 14 locations across Odisha, with Paralakhemundi recorded as the hottest at 36.6°C. A warning for rain and thunderstorms has been issued for February 19 and 20.
The heat is expected to intensify further in the state, with daytime temperatures rising by 2 to 3 degrees in various districts since Sunday. There will be no significant changes in the weather for the next three days, although the night temperatures are anticipated to drop by 2 to 3 degrees.
On Sunday, temperatures exceeded 35°C in 14 cities. The weather is expected to remain dry and sunny until the 19th. Regional Meteorological Center scientist Sanjeev Dwivedi has issued a yellow warning for rain accompanied by thunderstorms in the northern coastal districts on the 19th and 20th.
On Sunday, the highest temperature of the day was reported in Paralakhemundi at 36.6°C, followed by Jharsuguda at 36.2°C, Angul at 36.1°C, and Boudh, Titlagarh, Balangir, and Bhawanipatna all at 36°C. Other locations included Dhenkanal at 35.8°C, Sonepur and Sambalpur at 35.7°C each, Hirakud at 35.6°C, Bhadrak at 35.5°C, Bhubaneswar at 35.4°C, and Baripada at 35°C. In the hilly region of Kandhamal district, the minimum temperature recorded on Saturday night was 7.4°C at Udayagiri.
Both daytime and nighttime temperatures are now expected to be 2 to 3 degrees above normal. The weather will remain dry in the state for three days, with light rain likely on the 19th and 20th, according to Met Center scientist Dwivedi.
Currently, there is no weather system affecting the state, and it will remain dry for the next two days with no immediate warnings for rain. However, on the 19th, warnings have been issued for light to moderate rain with thunderstorms in Keonjhar, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Balasore, and Mayurbhanj.
Additionally, a yellow warning for light to moderate rain with thunderstorms is in effect for Angul, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Deogarh, and Sundargarh on the 20th.
Some districts are currently experiencing light to moderate fog along with the unusual heat. The regional meteorological centre indicates that the amount of fog is likely to decrease further with the possibility of rain in the coastal districts.
