Bhubaneswar: With the mercury soaring, the regional office of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of harsh days and nights across Odisha. According to the weather office, while the day temperatures (maximum temperature) may cross 40°C in several parts of the state on Monday, the night temperatures (minimum temperature) will rise by 4°C-5°C above normal making life very uncomfortable.
The IMD has issued a yellow warning for a heat wave in nine districts of Odisha and advised people to avoid going out between 11 am and 3 pm. The heat wave alert has been issued for Sonepur, Bolangir, Boudh, Sambalpur, Bargarh, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, Nayagarh, Khurda, and Gajapati where the maximum temperatures are likely to touch 40°C today.
At the same time, the weather office has forecast light rains/thundershowers on April 6 and 7 in several places of the state under the influence of cyclonic circulation and the development of a low-pressure area. Rain and thunderstorms are expected at several places in north interior Odisha.
In view of the rising temperature across the state, Odisha Chief Secretary Pradeep Jena has directed the administration to keep a vigil on the situation in their respective areas and take measures to prevent diseases like dysentery and diarrhoea. He directed all the hospitals to be prepared for the treatment of fatal diseases and the Fire Services department to be ready to deal with fire mishaps.