Bhubaneswar: The mercury climbed sharply across several parts of Odisha on Wednesday, with western districts bearing the brunt of rising day temperatures, according to the latest evening bulletin issued by the India Meteorological Department. Data released by the Meteorological Centre Bhubaneswar at 7:00 PM on Wednesday shows a clear dominance of heat in interior pockets, while coastal areas remained comparatively moderate.
Jharsuguda recorded the highest maximum temperature in the state at a scorching 39.6°C, emerging as the hottest place of the day. Close behind were Sambalpur, Hirakud, Talcher and Titlagarh, each touching 37.0°C, while Angul registered 36.7°C and Sundargarh 36.5°C. The heat spread across much of western and central Odisha, with Bolangir at 36.7°C, Baripada at 36.6°C and Bhawanipatna at 36.0°C, indicating a consistent upward trend in interior temperatures.
In the capital city, Bhubaneswar recorded a maximum of 36.8°C, notably above the 35°C mark, signalling intensifying pre-summer conditions. Cuttack was slightly lower at 34.8°C, while Khordha settled at 33.5°C.
Coastal districts experienced relatively milder conditions compared to the western belt. Paradip reported 30.8°C, the lowest among major reporting stations, while Puri recorded 31.4°C and Gopalpur 32.4°C. Chandbali and Balasore, however, were warmer at 35.5°C and 35.8°C respectively, suggesting varying coastal influences.
Southern districts presented a mixed picture. Koraput recorded 32.8°C, Phulbani 32.4°C and Rayagada 33.4°C, whereas Paralakhemundi touched 36.8°C, matching the capital’s daytime peak. Malkangiri registered 33.8°C.
No rainfall was recorded in any of the reporting stations during the 24-hour period ending at 8:30 AM, nor between 8:30 AM and 5:30 PM, confirming the continuation of dry weather conditions statewide. The bulletin also noted the absence of any significant synoptic system over the region.
The forecast indicates that dry weather is very likely to prevail across Odisha districts for the next seven days, with no major change expected in maximum temperatures during the coming week. For Bhubaneswar and adjoining areas, the sky is expected to remain mainly clear over the next 24 hours, with temperatures likely to hover around 37°C during the day and 20°C at night.
With western Odisha already nearing the 40°C threshold in early March, the data signals an early intensification of heat conditions, particularly in interior districts, while coastal belts continue to benefit from relatively moderating influences.
