Bhubaneswar: As Odisha was gripped by an early spell of heatwave, the day temperature soared above 41 degree Celsius for the first time this season on Thursday.
At least 15 places recorded temperature above 39 degree Celsius as the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) issued heatwave warning for four days.
Jharsuguda in western Odisha turned out to be the hottest place in the state recording 41.4 degree Celsius.
Boudh followed closely recording 40.8 degree Celsius, while the maximum temperature stood at 40.4 degree Celsius in Balangir, 40.1 degree at Bhadrak, Titlagarh & Hirakud, 40 degree in both Baripada and Sambalpur, 39.9 degree in Paralakhemundi, 39.7 degree in both Angul and Sonepur, 39.6 degree at Sundargarh, and 39.5 degree Celsius in Rourkela, Dhenkanal and Bhawanipatna.
The day temperature in state capital Bhubaneswar shot up to 38.2 degree Celsius.
The intensity of heatwave is likely to increase during the subsequent two days with orange warning issued for Jharsuguda, Sonepur, Boudh, Sambalpur, Balangir, Kalahandi and Sundargarh districts on March 15 and Boudh, Sonepur, Bargarh, Balangir and Kalahandi on March 16.
Heatwave conditions may also prevail at one or two places in Kandhamal and Bargarh on March 15 with warm night conditions at one or two places in Balangir, Sambalpur, Boudh, and Sundargarh.
On March 16, there is also a heatwave warning for Nuapada. Warm night conditions are also likely at one or two places in Balangir, Sambalpur, Boudh, Sundargarh, and Jharsuguda. Yellow warning of heatwave continues for Balangir, Nuapada and Bargarh on March 17.
The met office asked people to take precautionary measures while stepping outside during peak hours of the day between 11 am and 3 pm. It further stated that there will be no large change in the maximum and minimum temperatures during the next 5 days.