Bhubaneswar: Odisha is grappling with soaring temperatures as a heatwave grips large parts of the state. Jharsuguda recorded the highest temperature at 39°C on Tuesday, while Bhubaneswar registered 36.8°C and Cuttack 34.8°C, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).
The IMD’s evening bulletin reported that 13 cities in the state crossed the 36°C mark, highlighting the intensity of the ongoing heatwave. Among the hottest were Bhubaneswar, Hirakud, and Paralakhemundi (36.8°C each), followed by Angul and Sambalpur (36.7°C), Baripada (36.6°C), Bolangir, Titlagarh, Bhadrak (36.5°C each), Dhenkanal (36.1°C), Chandbali, Sundargarh (36°C each), and Talcher (36.4°C).
Six cities recorded temperatures above 35°C, including Bhawanipatna (35.8°C), Jagatsinghpur (35.6°C), Rourkela (35.5°C), Balasore (35.4°C), Sonepur (35.4°C), and Bargarh (35.0°C). Seven cities were above 34°C: Cuttack (34.8°C), Nuapada (34.5°C), Gopalpur (34.2°C), Kendujhar (34.1°C), Nayagarh, Nabarangpur, and Khordha (34°C each).
In addition, 12 other cities reported temperatures above 31°C, including Kendrapara (33.8°C), Boudh (33.6°C), Jajpur (33.6°C), Malkangiri (33.4°C), Puri (33°C), Rayagada (33°C), Chatrapur (32.8°C), Koraput (32.5°C), Deogarh (32.4°C), Phulabani (31.4°C), Paradip (31.2°C), and Daringibadi (31°C).
The IMD has urged residents to take precautions against the intense heat. People are advised to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours, and take measures to protect vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with health conditions.
