Bhubaneswar: Holi celebrations in several districts in Odisha are set to be marred by scorching heat, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing an orange warning for heatwave-like conditions on Saturday and Sunday.
According to the IMD’s forecast, districts such as Jharsuguda, Sonepur, Boudh, Sambalpur, Balangir, Kalahandi and Sundargarh are expected to bear the brunt of the intense heat, with maximum temperatures predicted to soar above 40°C in some areas. These districts have been issued an orange warning.
In addition, a yellow warning has been issued for districts such as Kandhamal and Bargarh, indicating a likelihood of heat wave conditions. Warm nights are also expected in districts such as Balangir, Sambalpur, Boudh, and Sundargarh.
For March 15, the IMD prediction also reads: “Heatwave condition very likely to prevail at one or two places over the districts of Kandhamal & Bargarh. Warm night conditions very likely to prevail at one or two places over the districts of Balangir, Sambalpur, Boudh and Sundargarh.”
For March 16, the regional weather office has issued an orange warning to the Boudh, Sonepur, Bargarh, Balangir and Kalahandi districts.
Besides, it has issued a yellow warning to Nuapada. IMD forecast for March 16 further reads; “Heatwave condition very likely to prevail at one or two places over the district of Nuapada. That apart, warm night conditions very likely to prevail at one or two places over the districts of Balangir, Sambalpur, Boudh, Sundargarh and Jharsuguda.”