Odisha Sizzles Under Heatwave As 12 Places Record Over 44 Degree Celsius; Jharsuguda Hottest At 47 Degree

Bhubaneswar: Heatwave condition prevailed in Odisha, particularly the western region, as temperature soared to more than 44 degree Celsius in 12 places on Thursday.

According to evening release of the regional centre of the India Meteorological dEpartment(IMD) in Bhubaneswar, as many as 19 places in the state recorded maximum (day) temperature of more than 40 degree Celsius. Heatwave prevailed in Jharsuguda, Balangir, Bargarh, Samabalpur, Sonepur, Malkangiri, Sundargarh, Nuapada and Kandhamal districts.

Jharsuguda was the hottest in the state as maximum temperature in the western Odisha district zoomed to 47 degree Celsius. It was the sixth highest temperature in Jharsuguda for third time in its history. The place had last recorded 47 degree on May 30, 2024 and May 24, 2005.

Following is the record of maximum temperature in industrial district:

May 24, 1998: 47.6

May 20, 1978: 47.5

May 11, 1975: 47.4

May 27, 1998: 47.2

On Thursday, Jharsuguda was followed by Titlagarh with 46.5 degree, Bargarh 46.3 degree and Sambalpur 46.2 degree.

The mercury also crossed 45 degree Celsius in Sonepur (45.6), Malkangiri (45.6), Bhawanipatna (45.5), Balangir (45.3) and Hirakud (45.2).

Heatwave to continue till arrival of monsoon: CEC

With the onset of the south-west monsoon in Odisha not expected till June 10, heatwave conditions are likely to prevail in the interior and western districts of the state, said SOA’s Centre for Environment and Climate (CEC).

Models indicated that the onset of monsoon over Odisha and nearby region might not happen before June 10 even as the hot wind flow from north-western part of the country is expected to continue for a week or more, said Sarat Chandra Sahu, Director of CEC.

The higher moisture content in the atmosphere would prevail in the coastal plains causing discomfort, he said adding that there was probability of norwester, locally known as ‘Kalbaisakhi’, in Bhubaneswar and its neighbourhood within the next one or two days.

He further said the monsoon current had already set in over Kerala, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the north-eastern states causing moisture accumulation over Odisha. Norwesters, comprising moderate rain, thunder and lightning, may occur in sporadic locations of coastal Odisha and adjoining districts in next two to three days which could favour removal of excess moisture from the atmosphere decreasing the level of discomfort.