Bhubaneswar: Odisha residents are in for a tough time as the heatwave, which took the temperature beyond the 43 degree-mark at nine towns today, is set to intensify.
In Odisha, Angul was the hottest place at 44.7 degrees Celsius. The temperature also crossed the 40-degree mark in at least 16 places, with the Met office forecasting intensified heat wave.
Normal life was thrown out of gear in most parts of the state, particularly in western Odisha, due to the scorching heat with roads wearing a deserted look during the day as people chose to keep indoors.
Titlagarh recorded a maximum temperature of 44.2 degrees Celsius, while it was 44.1 at Hirakud, 43.6 at Sambalpur, 43.5 at Balangir and Bhawanipatna, 43.2 at Talcher and 43 at Jharsuguda and Malkangiri.
Sundargarh recorded 42 degrees Celsius, while the mercury stood at 41.9 at Dhenkanal, 41.7 at Keonjhar, 41.4 at Sonepur, 41 at Phulbani and Baripada and 40.1 at Chandbali.