Scorching Heatwave Grips Odisha, Orange Alert Issued For Several Districts

Bhubaneswar: Odisha is reeling under intense heatwave conditions, with several districts bearing the brunt of soaring temperatures. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange warning for Boudh, Sonepur, Kandhamal, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, and Balangir districts, indicating the prevalence of severe heatwave conditions.

According to the IMD data recorded at 2:30 PM IST today, Jharsuguda recorded a sweltering 45.6°C, while Sambalpur and Hirakud followed closely with 45.2°C and 44.8°C, respectively. The heat index, which factors in humidity, reached a staggering 53°C in Jharsuguda, 55°C in Sambalpur, and 54°C in Hirakud, posing significant health risks.

Heatwave conditions are also expected to prevail in Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Bargarh, Deogarh, Nuapada, Kalahandi, and Angul districts during this period. Additionally, warm night conditions are likely in Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Sonepur, Balangir, Kalahandi, Nuapada, and Bargarh, offering little respite from the scorching heat.

The IMD has warned that interior Odisha could experience temperatures ranging from 43°C to 45°C, with isolated severe heatwave conditions. Coastal regions, including Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, Khurda, Nayagarh, Puri, Ganjam, and Gajapati districts, may also experience hot and humid weather conditions.

To mitigate the impact of the heatwave, the Special Relief Commission has directed the health secretary to review hospital facilities across the state for handling heat-related cases. Precautionary measures, such as avoiding outdoor activities during peak hours (11 AM to 3 PM), are strongly advised.

Thunderstorm activity with lightning and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph is expected in Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Kandhamal, Nayagarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Cuttack, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj on June 1, and in Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Bargarh, Kandhamal, Nawarangpur, Balangir, and Sonepur on June 2, providing temporary relief.

However, a yellow warning of heatwave has been issued for Sundargarh, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Sonepur, Balangir, Boudh, Kalahandi, Nuapada, and Bargarh districts on June 6, indicating the persistence of extreme heat conditions.