Odisha Swelters as Temperatures Soar Above 40°C in Several Places

Bhubaneswar: Odisha is experiencing a scorching start to April, with several regions witnessing day temperatures exceeding 41 degrees Celsius. Malkangiri topped the charts at a scorching 41.7 degrees Celsius, followed closely by Titilagarh at 41.5°C, Boudh at 41.4°C, and Bhawanipatna at 41.2°C.  Talcher, Bolangir, and Nayagarh each saw temperatures at 41.0°C. Angul and Jharsuguda towns recorded maximum temperatures above 40°C. Additionally, eleven more places registered day temperatures above 39°C.

The prevailing Northwesterly/Westerly dry air and intense solar insolation are expected to drive maximum temperatures beyond 40°C across Odisha from April 3 to April 6, 2024. Temperatures are forecasted to be 3 to 5°C above normal during this period.

To cope with the heat, people are advised to take precautionary measures, especially between 1100 IST and 1500 IST, according to an evening bulletin issued by the IMD regional centre in Bhubaneswar.

The temperature forecast indicates a minimal change in maximum temperatures over the next 24 hours, followed by a likely increase of 2°C thereafter. Maximum temperatures are expected to range between 39 to 41°C in interior Odisha and between 36 to 38°C in coastal districts over the next 4 to 5 days.