Heatwave & Warm Nights In Odisha For 4 Days From Tomorrow; IMD Issues Orange Alert, Advisory

Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday warned of heatwave and warm nights in Odisha from March 13-16.

Orange and yellow warnings have been issued for eight districts – Boudh, Sundargarh, Mayurbhanj, Balangir, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Angul and Sonepur – in the state.

The maximum temperature is expected to rise by 2-3 degree Celsius during the next five days. The minimum temperature in the state is likely to witness a similar rise but after 3 days.

This is in departure from last year when no heatwave days were recorded in March. The threshold for a heatwave is met when the maximum temperature reaches at least 40 degrees Celsius and the departure from normal is 4.5-6.4 degree Celsius. Warn nights occur with the minimum temperature departure is 4.5-6.4 degree Celsius with the maximum temperature at 40 degree Celsius.

Amid the prediction, the day temperature soared past 37 degree Celsius at 11.30 am in Jharsuguda for the first time this season. The industrial town recorded 37.2 degree Celsius as against 33.6 degree Celsius during the corresponding period the previous day.

The weather agency has cautioned against prolonged exposure to sun and indulging in strenuous jobs during the peak hours. People have been advised to take precautionary measures while stepping out of the house from 11 am to 3 pm. “Heat cramp and rash such as weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, sweating and seizures are likely during peak hours. Avoid heat exposure, wear light-weight, light-coloured, loose, cotton clothes, cover your head, use a cloth, hat or umbrella,” it said.

People have also been advised to avoid alcohol, tea, coffee and carbonated soft drinks, which dehydrates the body. Also avoid high-protein and stale food. “Keep livestocks in cool and shade places and arrange drinking water for them. Farmers are advised to continue irrigation activities in sugarcane, summer maize, pulses and other crops and vegetables.”