The IMD announced on Saturday that unrelenting heatwave conditions will persist across Odisha until May 28, noting that five places in the state’s western belt have already breached the 45 degrees Celsius mark.
The industrial hub of Jharsuguda topped the chart at a blistering 45.2 degrees Celsius, while Sambalpur, Hirakud, Titlagarh, and Boudh closely followed, all hitting an intense 45°C.
In its evening bulletin, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that severe heatwave conditions are expected to grip parts of Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, and Bolangir districts, with Bolangir also brace for uncomfortably warm night temperatures.
Consequently, the weather department has issued to an orange warning (be prepared) for heatwave for these specific districts on Sunday.
The advisory also flagged impending heatwave conditions for Boudh district, alongside hot and humid conditions for Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Kandhamal, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Khurda, and Nayagarh this Sunday. A yellow warning (be aware) has been placed on these regions.
According to the IMD, there will be no large change in maximum temperatures or daytime temperatures across the state over the next five days.
Thereafter, maximum temperatures are likely to fall by 2 to 3 degree Celsius, the bulletin said.
In view of the extreme weather conditions, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari has urged residents to remain inside their homes and minimize outdoor travel unless absolutely essential.
He further recommended that the public avoid outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours and to drink water frequently.
“If you are venturing outdoors, then wear light cotton clothing and carry a water bottle and an umbrella,” the minister said.
Special Relief Commissioner’s (SRC) office has placed all districts on high alert, instructing collectors to continuously monitor IMD updates and execute localized safety strategies.
The SRC office additionally confirmed that the state has tragically recorded three fatalities linked to heatwaves so far this season.
Meanwhile, the weather office said that the southwest monsoon is making steady progress and is expected to move into some more regions over the coming week.
“Conditions are favourable for further advance of southwest monsoon into some more parts of southwest and southeast Arabian Sea, Comorin Area, southwest, southeast and eastcentral Bay of Bengal and remaining parts of Andaman Sea during next 3-4 days,” the IMD report said.
