Bhubaneswar: The capital city of Odisha continued to reel under severe heat and humidity on Friday, with the temperature soaring to 41°C by 2:30 PM and humidity recorded at 38%. The heat index pushed the “feels like” temperature to a staggering 50°C, making conditions extremely difficult for residents.
Unbearable heat combined with high humidity has left people struggling with discomfort, dehydration risks, and heat-related ailments. Streets appeared relatively empty during peak afternoon hours as citizens preferred to stay indoors or seek shade.
The India Meteorological Department has issued an Orange Alert, asking people to be prepared to take action, for several districts. This warning will remain in effect till tomorrow morning. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and strong gusty surface winds reaching 50-60 kmph are very likely to occur in the afternoon or evening hours at one or two places over Balasore, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, and Nawrangpur districts.
Meanwhile, a Yellow Warning has been issued for a larger number of districts. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds with speeds of 40-50 kmph are expected in the afternoon or evening at one or two places over Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghapur, Cuttack, Sundargarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Boudh, Nuapada, Bolangir, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Khurda, and Nayagarh.Warm night conditions are very likely to prevail at isolated places over Sundargarh, Sambalpur, and Bolangir districts.
Hot and humid conditions are also expected to continue at isolated places over Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghapur, Cuttack, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Angul, Dhenkanal, Sonepur, Boudh, Bolangir, Kalahandi, Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Khurda, and Nayagarh. Authorities have urged residents to avoid direct sun exposure between 12 PM and 4 PM, stay hydrated, and take special care of children, the elderly, and those with health issues.
