The India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced on Saturday that the ongoing heatwave conditions in Odisha are expected to persist at least until May 28. According to the IMD forecast, there will be no significant change in maximum temperatures over the next five days, followed by a drop of 2 to 3 degrees Celsius thereafter.
Current Temperature and Humidity Levels
On Saturday, Bhubaneswar recorded a maximum temperature of 39.3 degrees Celsius, but the real-feel temperature, which indicates how the heat feels on the skin, soared beyond 50 degrees Celsius. Cuttack experienced a maximum temperature of 37.8 degrees Celsius. However, high humidity levels of 81 percent in Cuttack and 78 percent in Bhubaneswar, recorded at 8:30 am, made the heat particularly oppressive. Residents without air conditioning are struggling. G Rameya Reddy, a resident of Salia Sahi in Bhubaneswar, said, “Fans and coolers are not helping. As we do not have an AC, it is tough to bear the heat and humidity.”
Highest Temperatures in Western Odisha
In western Odisha, Jharsuguda recorded the highest maximum temperature in the state at 45.2 degrees Celsius. Sambalpur, Hirakud, Titilagarh, and Boudh each recorded 45 degrees Celsius. Official sources confirmed that as many as 19 places crossed the 40 degrees Celsius mark during the day. Only Keonjhar received rainfall on Saturday.
Heatwave Warnings Issued
An orange warning for heatwave conditions has been issued for three districts: Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, and Bolangir, effective for the next two days starting Sunday. A warm night condition is likely in Bolangir district on Sunday. Additionally, a yellow warning for heatwave conditions has been issued for Boudh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, and Bolangir districts until May 27. The IMD bulletin also issued a yellow warning for hot and humid conditions, as well as thunderstorm activity in isolated places in some districts until May 27.
Safety Advisory
The IMD advised people to monitor weather conditions and take safe shelter during thunderstorms to protect themselves from lightning. Urban residents are urged to follow traffic advisories. On Saturday, two more deaths were reported due to suspected heatstroke, while the government confirmed three sunstroke deaths as of Friday.
