Odisha records season's first 40-plus temperature as heatwave singes state

A blistering heatwave swept through Odisha on Monday threatening to throw the normal life out of gear and raising concerns among health experts.

The day temperature crossed 40 degree Celsius mark for the first time this season with poll-bound Jharsuguda district recording highest 40.4 degree Celsius.

As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Bhubaneswar centre, Baripada in Mayurbhanj district also recorded 40 degree Celsius as the maximum temperature.

A resident of Baripada town said, “Heat was too much today. Even our sweat was evaporating quickly leaving salt on the skin. I think this is the highest heat we have encountered this year.”

Blame it on the inflow of dry air or the climate change, the fact is Odisha is going to singe under the sultry sun for at least six or more days. Bhubaneswar weather office has alerted that the heat conditions will continue in Odisha till April 16.

“The day temperature will see a rise of 2-3 degrees Celsius in the next few days. The temperature in coastal Odisha too will see a rise and is likely to touch 40 degree soon,” said IMD scientist Umashankar Das.

There are multiple reasons of this heat. As per weather scientist, Sharat Sahu, “The wind has slowed down and the lower level wind is blowing from west and North-west bringing heat with it. The water vapour flow to Odisha has also stopped from both Bay of Bengal and the Arabian sea making the temperature in Odisha to rise suddenly.”

Capital city Bhubaneswar on the other hand recorded 39 degrees by 2:30 pm on Monday. Similarly, Chandbali recorded 39 degree, followed by 37.6 degree in Hirakud, 36.4 degree in Balasore and 36.2 degree Celsius in Keonjhar.

Even though the morning classes have begun from today in many schools, guardians say that if such temperature persists it will be tough for the kids to return home by 11:30 am under the scorching heat conditions.

(Reported by Maniklal Pani, Bhagirathi Sahu & Niranjan Reddy, OTV)