Searing heat in western Odisha, nor'wester respite in coastal

Bhubaneswar: Searing heat persisted in western Odisha with Balangir becoming the hottest place in the state recording 43 degree celsius today, even as a nor'wester brought respite in the coastal region.

The mercury breached the 40-degree mark in at least eight places in the state as Titlagarh, also in Balangir district, recorded a maximum temperature of 42.8 degree celsius, the Met office here said.

Sonepur recorded maximum temperature of 42.4 degree celsius, followed by 42 degree at Bhawanipatna, 41.1 degree at Angul town, 40.4 degree celsius at Jharsuguda, 40.2 degree celsius at Talcher and 40 degree celsius at Phulbani, it said.

Thundersquall and rain due to a nor'wester occurred in some parts of coastal belt and adjoining areas. Following this Bhubaneswar recorded maximum temperature of 35.5 degrees, while in Cuttack city the mercury stood at 35 degree celsius.

Two sunstroke deaths have so far been reported in the state, one each from Bargarh and Angul district, according to the office of the Special Relief Commissioner.