Extreme heat representational pic
The State capital, Bhubaneswar, on Friday sweltered under an intense wave of heat and humidity, with the mercury already surpassing 32 degrees Celsius by 08:30 this morning. A high of 32.8 degrees Celsius was recorded early in the morning, causing considerable discomfort among residents due to oppressive humidity levels.
Temperature At 11:30 AM
Bhubaneswar boiled at 37.6 degree Celsius while Chandbali recorded 36.8 degree Celsius. Likewise, Balasore witnessed 35 degree Celsius, Puri at 34.8 degree Celsius, Paradip at 33.8 degree Celsius and Gopalpur at 33.8 degree Celsius.
Similarly, coastal districts of Samabalpur and Jharsuguda boiled at 38.6 degree and 36.6 degree Celsius respectively. Hirakud recorded 37.8 degree Celsius while Rourkela witnessed 35 degree, with 34 degree Celsius in Keonjhar.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that these hot and muggy conditions will linger for another three days. Residents have to battle heat and humidity for another three days, despite Kalbaisakhi rains across several districts.
In a related announcement, the IMD has issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms, locally known as "Kalbaisakhi", across 18 districts. This advisory indicates the potential for sudden severe weather conditions, reflective of the turbulent pre-monsoon climate typical of this region.
In its evening bulletin, the IMD regional centre mentioned, “People are advised to keep watch on the weather and take safe shelter during the thunderstorm activity to protect themselves from lightning and follow traffic advisories in urban areas. Also harvesting of crops may be regulated judicially, and farmers are advised to use hail nets to protect vegetables and crops from hailstorms.”
The expected showers, accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 40–50 kmph, will affect districts like Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, and Sundargarh.
Residents are advised to stay informed on weather updates and take necessary precautions during potential thunderstorms.