Severe Heat Wave in Odisha to continue till May 2, IMD Issues Warning

Bhubaneswar: Residents of Odisha are bracing themselves for a scorching heat wave as the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts severe heat-wave conditions to prevail over parts of the state for the next four days.

Speaking at a press conference in Bhubaneswar, IMD scientist Umashankar Dash warned that dry winds in the atmosphere are likely to cause maximum day temperatures to rise by up to 2 degrees Celsius in several areas. It is anticipated that temperatures may soar to 45 degrees Celsius in most places across the state during this period, with the condition expected to persist until May 2, despite the occasional presence of westerlies in some regions.

Dash clarified that the onset of Kalabaisakhi rain, witnessed in parts of south Odisha on Friday, is unlikely to alleviate daytime temperatures. Nabarangpur recorded the highest rainfall of 9.1 mm on Friday afternoon under the influence of westerlies.

A heat-wave to severe heat-wave warning has been issued for several districts for the next 24 hours, according to Dash. He emphasized that there is little possibility of a major change in the weather pattern over the next four days.

In light of the impending heat wave, residents are advised to take necessary precautions to mitigate its impact. Dash urged people to remain indoors during the hottest hours of the day and to stay hydrated.

The heat wave has already made its presence felt, with temperatures soaring in various parts of the state. Talcher emerged as one of the hottest regions, recording a temperature of 36.8 degrees Celsius by 8:30 AM, followed closely by Baripada at 36 degrees Celsius. Other areas such as Keonjhar, Rourkela, Bolangir, Bhawanipatna, Balasore, and Boudh reported temperatures ranging from 34 to 34.8 degrees Celsius during the same period.