Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded a heatwave alert for Odisha, spanning four consecutive days starting Wednesday. The forecast warns of a substantial rise in temperatures across the state, urging residents to take precautionary measures to cope with the scorching conditions.
According to the IMD, the day temperatures in Odisha are expected to surge by 2-3°C within 48 hours, with warmer nights also anticipated during this period. The twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack are projected to witness mercury levels touching 40°C by April 2, escalating to a sweltering 41-42°C in the subsequent days. Areas like Boudh, Titlagarh, and Balangir are bracing for even higher temperatures, with readings likely to soar to 43°C.
Attributing the heatwave conditions to prevailing dry air and intense solar radiation, the IMD cautioned that temperatures could remain above 40°C in many parts of Odisha from April 3 to 6, exceeding the normal range by 3°C to 5°C. Residents are advised to exercise caution, especially during the daytime between 11 am and 3 pm, when temperatures are expected to peak.
Yellow Warning Highlights:
April 3: Heatwave conditions may prevail in districts like Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj. Warm nights are anticipated in Balangir, Kalahandi, Boudh, Sonepur, Kandhamal, and Nayagarh.
April 4: Heatwave conditions likely in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, and Nayagarh. Warm nights expected in Balangir, Kalahandi, Boudh, Kandhamal, Nayagarh, Khurda, Cuttack, and Sonepur.
April 5: Heatwave conditions anticipated in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Nayagarh, Boudh, and Kandhamal. Warm nights likely in Balangir, Kalahandi, Boudh, Sonepur, Kandhamal, Nayagarh, Khurda, Cuttack, Angul, and Keonjhar.
April 6: Heatwave conditions expected in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Nayagarh, Boudh, and Kandhamal. Warm nights likely in Balangir, Kalahandi, Boudh, Sonepur, Kandhamal, Nayagarh, Khurda, Cuttack, Angul, and Keonjhar.
While no further weather warnings have been issued, light to moderate rain or thundershowers may occur at some places in North Odisha on April 7. Similar conditions are expected in coastal Odisha, Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Kandhamal, Boudh, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, and other districts within the subsequent 24 hours.