Heatwave Warning Ahead Of Holi In Odisha; Mercury May Soar Past 40°C

Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday issued a heatwave warning for six districts of Odisha for 2 days.

According to the midday bulletin, heatwave is likely to prevail at one or two places in Boudh, Sonepur, Balangir, Kalahandi, Sambalpur and Jharsuguda districts on March 13-14. “The day temperature is likely to gradually rise by 2-4°C during the next 5 days across the state. The mercury may soar to 40°C and above at isolated places in Boudh, Sonepur, Balangir, Kalahandi, Sambalpur and Jharsuguda during this period,” it said.

The day temperature is likely to touch 38°C and 37°C in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack respectively by March 14, ahead of Holi celebrations on March 15.

While there is no further warning, dry weather may prevail across the state thereafter, it added.

According to senior meteorologist Umasankar Das, Jharsuguda recorded 33.8°C at 11 am on Monday, an increase of 1.8°C compared to the corresponding period the previous day.

On Sunday, the highest temperature recorded in Jharsuguda was 37.4°C.