Heat wave and humidity grip Odisha; Yellow alert issued in 11 districts

Odisha reels under intense heat and humidity, with temperatures soaring across major cities and towns in the State. Bhubaneswar emerged as the hottest city on Monday by 2:30 PM, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a Yellow alert for 11 districts.

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With the return of intense summer conditions, Odisha is experiencing a wave of severe heat accompanied by oppressive humidity. Across the State, temperatures began rising early in the day, with Bhubaneswar recording 37°C by 11.30 AM and surging at 39.4°C by 2.30 PM, making it the hottest city in the State.

The combination of high temperature and excessive humidity left residents of the Capital City struggling to cope, especially during mid-day hours.

In Balasore, the temperature reached 38°C by 11.30 AM and later climbed to 38.4°C, while Sambalpur and Jharsuguda recorded 39°C each. Other high-temperature zones included Hirakud (38.4°C), Chandbali (38°C), and Rourkela (37.2°C).

Heat wave conditions during next 5 days

The IMD has forecast continued heat wave conditions across the State for the next five days. As a precaution, a Yellow Warning has been issued in 11 districts, urging people to avoid exposure during peak hours and stay hydrated.

Health authorities have also advised the residents to take necessary precautions to prevent heatstroke and dehydration.

Worth mentioning, the IMD had forecasted unusually high temperatures from the month of April to June this year. This warning had come from the IMD’s Director General, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, who had urged the public to exercise caution as several regions across the country, including Odisha, were to brace for an intense heat wave.

Despite this, Mohapatra had dispelled concerns over any El Niño impact, stating that it is not expected during the monsoon season.

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“El Niño conditions are not anticipated during the monsoon season. The period from April to June is expected to be hotter than usual, with an increased likelihood of heatwave days in several states,” the IMD DG had stated to a national news agency.