Bhubaneswar: Several parts of Odisha experienced warm and humid conditions on Friday afternoon, with western districts recording comparatively higher temperatures than coastal regions, according to data released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) at 2:30 PM.
Rourkela emerged as the hottest place in the state at 35.0°C, followed by Jharsuguda at 34.2°C and Keonjhar at 33.6°C. Other western locations such as Sambalpur (33.0°C) and Hirakud (33.2°C) also reported elevated temperatures, indicating a rising heat trend in the interior belt.
In contrast, coastal areas remained relatively cooler under the influence of sea breeze. Gopalpur recorded the lowest temperature among the listed stations at 29.8°C, while Paradip registered 30.0°C. Bhubaneswar reported 31.6°C, marginally higher than Balasore (31.2°C) and Puri (31.4°C). Chandbali recorded 32.2°C.
Humidity levels were notably higher in coastal regions, with Gopalpur recording the highest relative humidity at 71 per cent, followed by Bhubaneswar, Balasore, and Paradip at 65 per cent each. Inland areas such as Rourkela (40 per cent), Jharsuguda and Keonjhar (46 per cent each) experienced relatively drier conditions.
Meteorologists indicated that the combination of rising temperatures in western districts and high humidity along the coast could lead to discomfort, particularly during afternoon hours. No extreme weather warning was issued, but residents were advised to take precautions against heat exposure.
