Bhubaneswar: Residents of Odisha’s capital woke up to significant discomfort on Friday morning as high humidity combined with rising temperatures drove the heat index to extreme levels, making conditions feel far hotter than the actual thermometer reading.
At 5:30 AM, Bhubaneswar recorded a temperature of 31.4°C with relative humidity at 84%. This resulted in a heat index — the “feels-like” temperature calculated using the NOAA formula — reaching a scorching 44°C, according to senior meteorologist Umasankar Das.
This early-morning unease follows a pattern observed over the past four days. On May 21, the city saw 29.6°C with 90% humidity, yielding a heat index of 39°C. Similar elevated “feels-like” readings around 40°C were noted on May 20 and 19, with humidity consistently above 86%. High moisture in the air severely limits the body’s natural cooling through sweat evaporation, intensifying the oppressive sensation.
The situation peaked on Thursday, when Bhubaneswar recorded t
he season’s highest maximum temperature of 42.2°C, with the real-feel temperature soaring to 52°C in the mid-afternoon amid 76% humidity (recorded around 8:30 am). Hot winds and direct sunlight emptied streets, forcing people indoors. A thundershower in the evening provided welcome relief, lowering temperatures and reducing humidity to around 60% by 5:30 pm.
Statewide, at least 25 locations crossed 40°C on Thursday. The intense heat affected daily life across Odisha, with residents reporting burning sensations even while riding motorcycles or seeking shade.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has attributed the conditions to maximum temperatures running at least 3°C above normal, coupled with above-average relative humidity. While many parts of the state experienced highs above 40°C, similar trends may persist until May 25. Heatwave to severe heatwave may prevail in Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Balangir and Nayagarh districts on Friday, said the regional met office.
Similarly, heatwave may prevail in Jajpur, Kendrapada, Bargarh, Angul, Sonepur, Boudh and Sundergarh districts. A severe heatwave is defined by more than 6.5 degree C above normal temperature at a place, while heatwave is a 4.5 deg C to 6.4 deg C above normal temperature.
Experts have urged residents to stay hydrated, limit outdoor exposure during peak hours, and watch for symptoms of heat-related illnesses.