Heat wave singes western Odisha

Bhubaneswar: With the summer sun spewing fire, a heat wave is sweeping the State, especially Western Odisha. The day temperature in western and interior parts of Odisha has been hovering over 40 degrees Celsius for the past few days. In the coastal parts of the State, which is largely out of power after being ravaged by cyclone Fani, heat accompanied with high humidity is also making life worse.

The mercury in western Odisha has already shot up to 45 degrees Celsius in Titlagarh. In cities like Sambalpur, Bolangir and other western regions of Odisha, the day temperature has been hovering between 45-40 degrees Celsius.

"The heat wave is unbearable," said one resident of Sambalpur.

Meanwhile one resident from Bolangir said, "Water woes amidst the scorching heat in Bolangir is making life worse."

One resident from Titlagarh expressed concerns saying "Such climatic condition is a threat if it continues for longer period."

The situation at Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital in Bolangir is no less than traumatic for the expectant mothers as well as the infants due to the intense heat wave and disruption in power supply. No arrangements of air conditioning have been made in the delivery ward while on the other hand, due to low voltage, fans are not operating optimally.

Though the mercury reading has not been conspicuous in coastal Odisha, the high humidity in these parts has been proving taxing for the citizens. Though the mercury level in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Balasore and Paradeep is yet to cross 40 degrees Celsius mark, high humidity is giving a grueling time to residents.

One resident from Bhubaneswar said, "The heat wave is unbearable and traumatic not only outside but also indoors."

As per the local Met office forecast, the weather will see some changes from Sunday. Some parts of the coastal areas may witness thunderstorm and rain. The heat wave in coastal areas will subside after rain, informed sources.

"The increasing discomfort experienced by the residents in Bhubaneswar is due to the increasing humidity in the atmosphere. Thunderstorm and rain within 3-4 days in coastal areas as well as interior regions will bring temperature down," said HR Biswas, Director of Regional Meteorological Department in Bhubaneswar.