State boils under grueling heat

Bhubaneswar: Sweltering heat tightened its grip over the state throwing life out of gear in many areas as the coal town of Talcher became the hottest place in the state recording 45.5 degree Celsius on Thursday.

Talcher, which recorded a maximum temperature of 45.3 degree Celsius yesterday, was followed by Sonepur with 44.8 degree and 44.7 degree Celsius at Sambalpur, according to the meteorological centre here.

In the state capital, the maximum temperature was recorded at 42.2 degree Celsius.

The entire western region continued to boil under scorching heat with 44.5 degree Celsius at Hirakud and Angul, 44.2 Celsius at Titlagarh, 44 degree at Bolagir and Jharsuguda and 43.5 degree Celsius at Sundargarh, the met office said.

Coastal areas also experienced searing heat as the maximum temperature was recorded at 40.8 degree Celsius in Cuttack and 42 degree at Chandbali.

Normal life was disrupted at many places due to soaring day temperature and high level of humidity forcing people to refrain from venturing out during the day. Roads wore a deserted look in many areas.