Odisha Reels Under Severe Heatwave as Temperatures Soar Past 43 Degrees Celsius
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that heatwave conditions continued to prevail across extensive regions of Odisha on Sunday, with Jharsuguda emerging as the hottest location in the state, recording a scorching 43.3 degrees Celsius. This intense heat has prompted immediate responses from local authorities, including school closures and adjusted academic schedules to safeguard public health.
Widespread High Temperatures Across the State
According to the IMD's evening bulletin, at least 14 places in Odisha registered maximum temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius or above, highlighting the severity of the heatwave. Following Jharsuguda, Titlagarh recorded 43 degrees Celsius, while Sonepur reached 42.3 degrees Celsius. Other notable hotspots included Bhawanipatna and Sambalpur, both at 42 degrees Celsius.
The bulletin further detailed additional high readings:
- Rourkela, Bolangir, and Sundargarh: 41.5 degrees Celsius each
- Angul: 41.1 degrees Celsius
- Hirakud and Nuapada: 41 degrees Celsius each
Relative Relief in Urban Centers
In contrast to the extreme heat in many areas, the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack experienced relatively lower temperatures. Bhubaneswar recorded 36.6 degrees Celsius, and Cuttack logged 35.8 degrees Celsius, offering some respite to residents in these urban hubs.
Weather Forecast and Administrative Measures
The IMD has forecast hot and humid conditions to persist on Monday in several districts, including:
- Balasore
- Bhadrak
- Jajpur
- Kendrapara
- Cuttack
- Jagatsinghpur
- Puri
- Khurda
- Nayagarh
- Ganjam
- Gajapati
In response to the escalating heat, authorities in Khurda, Nayagarh, and Deogarh districts have declared school holidays from April 20 to 23. Simultaneously, the Cuttack district administration has ordered morning classes for schools and anganwadi centres to minimize exposure during peak heat hours, emphasizing proactive steps to protect students and vulnerable populations.
This ongoing heatwave underscores the critical need for public awareness and adaptive measures as Odisha battles rising temperatures, with the IMD continuing to monitor and update conditions closely.
