Bhubaneswar: The capital sweltered under extreme humidity on Thursday, with the heat index touching a scorching 51°C at 11:30 am despite the actual temperature remaining in the mid-30s, according to India Meteorological Department data.
As per the IMD’s 11:30 am data, Bhubaneswar recorded a temperature of 36.4°C with 63% relative humidity. The combination pushed the ‘feels like’ temperature, or heat index, to 51°C — well into the extreme caution zone.
The IMD noted that high humidity is making conditions feel far hotter than the recorded temperature.
Such levels of heat index can cause heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and increase the risk of heatstroke with prolonged exposure or physical activity.
Health officials have advised the elderly, children to remain indoors during the afternoon.
