A merciless heatwave has tightened its grip on Odisha, with the state capital recording a scorching 44.6 degrees Celsius on Saturday, the highest temperature witnessed this summer.
The unrelenting heat peaked at 2.30 pm, sending residents scrambling for shade and hydration.
Weather scientist Umashaknar Dash confirmed that this marks the first time Bhubaneswar has crossed the 44-degree threshold this season.
The heatwave's scorching breath extends beyond the capital. The IMD (India Meteorological Department) has urged people to stay indoors during the peak afternoon hours (11 am to 3 pm) due to the sweltering temperatures and intense humidity plaguing most parts of the state.
Other major cities haven't fared much better. Jharsuguda simmered at 43.6 degrees Celsius, while Rourkela, Chandbali, and Sambalpur recorded highs of 42.5 degrees Celsius, 42.4 degrees Celsius, and 42.1 degrees Celsius respectively.
The Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar anticipates a further rise in temperatures. Their mid-day bulletin suggests an increase of up to two degrees Celsius in many parts of Odisha over the next 24 hours.
The forecast for the coming week is equally grim, with maximum temperatures expected to be four to six degrees Celsius above normal in some regions for the next four to five days.
The IMD has issued a "red warning" (be alert) for several districts on Saturday, including Mayurbhanj, Jajpur, Keonjhar, Angul, and Boudh. These areas, along with Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Khurda, and Cuttack, are susceptible to experiencing heatwave to severe heatwave conditions.
An "orange alert" has been issued for Deogarh, Sambalpur, Sonepur, and several other districts, indicating the prevalence of heatwave conditions.
The weather office's warnings for the next five days paint a clear picture: scorching temperatures and oppressive humidity are likely to persist, offering little respite to the sweltering state.
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