Odisha under heatwave, mercury soars to 46 C

The highest temperature of 46.6 degree C was recorded in the coal belt of Talcher in Angul district, followed by 46.4 degreee C in Sambalpur, 46.2 degree C in Bolangir and 46 degree C in Titlagarh, the met office here said.

As entire western Odisha sizzled under gruelling heat, Hirakud and Jharsuguda recorded maximum temperature of 45.6 degree C while it was 45.5 degree C in Sonepur, 44.1 degree C in Angul and 44 degreee C at Sundargarh, it said.

Though the maximum temperature in the state capital Bhubaneswar stood at 40.6 degree Celsius, the day remained uncomfortable and sultry as relative humidity ratio touched 73 per cent, it said.

Three deaths have been reported due to sun stroke so far during the current summer but no fresh casualty was reported during the last two days, official sources said.

The weatherman forecast that heatwave conditions were likely to prevail in most parts of the state for the next two days.

Normal life was hit in many areas with roads presenting a deserted look as people refrained from venturing out and shops and markets remained closed during day time due to scorching heat.