Odisha braces for heatwave amid Holi festivities, IMD issues yellow and orange warnings for several districts

Odisha is set to experience a scorching heatwave even as Holi celebrations unfold. With temperatures already surpassing 40°C in some areas, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued heatwave alerts for several districts, warning residents to take precautions against extreme conditions.

Rising Temperatures Grip the State

By mid-March, Odisha has been grappling with soaring temperatures, significantly impacting both coastal and inland regions. The western parts of the state, known for their intense summer heat, are expected to bear the brunt of the heatwave. The IMD has forecast that the heatwave conditions will persist for the next four days amid full-swing preparations for Holi.

IMD Issues Yellow and Orange Warnings

The Regional Meteorological Center has issued a combination of Yellow and Orange Warnings across multiple districts until March 16. These alerts indicate increasing heat stress, with the potential for severe conditions in some regions.

March 13: A Yellow Warning has been issued for Balangir, Boudh, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, and other interior districts.

March 14: A Yellow Warning remains in place for Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Boudh, Balangir, and Angul.

March 15: An Orange Warning has been issued for Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Boudh, and Balangir, signaling extreme heat conditions.

March 16: Jharsuguda and Sambalpur will continue to be under an Orange Warning as temperatures remain elevated.

Heatwave Peaks as Mercury Crosses 40°C

The impact of the ongoing heatwave has already been felt across Odisha. Yesterday, Boudh recorded the highest temperature at 40.5°C, while at least 12 other cities saw temperatures soaring above 38°C. With no immediate relief in sight, authorities are urging residents to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged outdoor exposure, and take necessary precautions against heat-related illnesses.