Odisha sizzles under intense heat

Bhubaneswar: Intense heat prevailed in most parts of Odisha with the mercury hovering above 40 degree celsius in at least ten places and the state capital witnessing a big jump in temperature.

Malkangiri was the hottest place in the state at 42.8 degree celsius, while the western region continued to sizzle under searing heat, the Met office said.

The maximum temperature in Bhubaneswar soared to 40.6 degrees compared to 37.5 degree celsius yesterday. The mercury rose to 38.8 degrees from 36.8 degrees in neighbouring Cuttack city as the heat increased in coastal Odisha too, it said.

In western Odisha Balangir recorded a maximum temperature of 41.7 degree C, followed by Titlagarh at 41.5 degree C and Angul at 41.1 degree C, the Met office said.

While Talcher town registered 40.8 degree C, the maximum temperature was 40.4 degree C at Jharsuguda, 40.3 degree C at Hirakud, 40.1 degree at Sambalpur and 40 degree at Sundargarh, it said.

Meanwhile, the Met office predicted the likelihood of a low pressure over Bay of Bengal on April 14 or April 15, which could bring some respite from the scorching heat.