As the sun beats down relentlessly, Odisha finds itself in the grip of an intense heat wave, with temperatures soaring to unprecedented heights.
· The mercury has surged to a staggering 46 degrees Celsius, marking the highest maximum temperature recorded thus far on Tuesday.
· The IMD reports that this is the first time this season that the mercury has surpassed the alarming 45-degree mark, intensifying the challenges posed by the relentless heat.
· The Regional Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar has issued Red Warnings for nine districts, including Khordha, Balasore, and Cuttack, among others.
· Monday witnessed four cities in Odisha recording maximum temperatures exceeding 44 degrees Celsius, with Baripada topping the charts at 44.8 degrees Celsius.
· In total, 32 cities experienced temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius, with places like Titlagarh and Dhenkanal witnessing 43.5 and 43.3 degrees Celsius respectively.
As the sun beats down relentlessly, Odisha finds itself in the grip of an intense heat wave, with temperatures soaring to unprecedented heights. The mercury has surged to a staggering 46 degrees Celsius, marking the highest maximum temperature recorded thus far on Tuesday. This scorching heatwave has engulfed the entire state, leaving residents grappling with oppressive conditions.
Balasore and Bhubaneswar, two prominent cities in Odisha, have not been spared from the blistering heat, with temperatures reaching 45.4 degrees Celsius by 2:30 pm. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reports that this is the first time this season that the mercury has surpassed the alarming 45-degree mark, intensifying the challenges posed by the relentless heat.
The situation has become increasingly dire for residents across various parts of Odisha, including the twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, where mitigating the oppressive heat and humidity has become an uphill battle. The state has been grappling with heatwave to severe heatwave conditions for over 17 days since the onset of April 2024, exacerbating the discomfort and posing significant health risks to the populace.
According to IMD forecasts, there is little respite in sight in the coming days, with a ‘red warning’ issued for severe heatwave conditions in the twin cities. Furthermore, the Regional Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar has issued Red Warnings for nine districts, including Khordha, Balasore, and Cuttack, among others. Orange and Yellow Warnings have been issued for several other districts, signalling the severity of the situation across the state and urging residents to exercise caution.
Manorama Mohanty, Director of Regional Meteorological Centre, Bhubaneswar, cautions, “Several parts of Odisha will experience severe heatwave conditions today, likely persisting until May 1, with a slight reduction expected from May 2.”
Monday witnessed four cities in Odisha recording maximum temperatures exceeding 44 degrees Celsius, with Baripada topping the charts at 44.8 degrees Celsius. In total, 32 cities experienced temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius, with places like Titlagarh and Dhenkanal witnessing 43.5 and 43.3 degrees Celsius respectively.
Tragically, the scorching temperatures have already claimed two lives due to sunstroke, according to sources from the State Health Department. As the heatwave continues its relentless grip on Odisha, residents are urged to take necessary precautions to stay safe and hydrated amidst these extreme conditions. Authorities are also working tirelessly to provide relief measures and ensure the well-being of the populace during this challenging period.
(With inputs from agencies)
