Odisha is experiencing a severe heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in various parts of the state, including the capital Bhubaneswar. Jharsuguda, an industrial hub in western Odisha, recorded the highest temperature at 44 degrees Celsius, while Talcher in Angul district also reached 44 degrees Celsius. Cuttack and Bhubaneswar saw temperatures of 42.1 and 41.8 degrees Celsius, respectively.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Bhubaneswar reported a significant temperature increase of 3–4 degrees Celsius in some coastal and interior districts of Odisha. Heatwave conditions are expected to persist in Bhubaneswar and nearby areas, with temperatures around 43 degrees Celsius. The IMD forecasts minimal changes in maximum temperatures across all Odisha districts for the next three days.
IMD issued a yellow warning for heatwave conditions in isolated areas of Bolangir, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Keonjhar, and Khordha districts. Additionally, hot and humid conditions are anticipated in various other districts. The weather department predicts light to moderate rain or thunderstorms in several districts, offering some relief from the intense heat.
Due to the soaring temperatures, educational institutions in most districts have been shut down. Concerns over heatstroke have led the state government to halt census activities between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to ensure the safety of enumerators.
