Bhubaneswar, 6 May (H.S.): The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave alert for Odisha, predicting a significant rise in daytime temperatures starting May 8, with mercury levels expected to climb by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius across several regions.
According to the IMD’s regional forecast, cities including Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Sonepur, Boudh, Balangir, and Titlagarh are likely to record maximum temperatures of 40°C by May 8. The situation is expected to intensify further by May 9, with temperatures potentially reaching 41°C in these cities as well as in Deogarh, Nayagarh, and Angul.
This comes after a brief dip in temperatures in the past 24 hours, with several parts of the state experiencing a 2–6°C drop, providing only temporary relief from the summer heat.
Meanwhile, the IMD has also issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and wind speeds of 30–40 km/h for areas including Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Nabarangapur, Koraput, Malkangiri, and Sambalpur.
Between May 6 and 7, Odisha is likely to witness scattered thunderstorms with stronger winds reaching up to 40–50 km/h in parts of Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Mayurbhanj, and Keonjhar.
Authorities have advised residents to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from extreme heat and adverse weather, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with existing health conditions.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
