Heatwave Alert Issued Across Odisha; Authorities Urge Precautionary Measures

Bhubaneswar: With hot and humid conditions expected to intensify across several parts of Odisha from April 11 to 16, the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) has directed all district Collectors to take immediate precautionary measures and ensure widespread awareness of the yellow warning issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

In an official communication addressed to district Collectors and key departments—including Revenue & Disaster Management, Agriculture, Water Resources, Housing & Urban Development, Energy, Panchayati Raj, Fisheries, Health, Education, and Labour—the SRC has called for strict monitoring of the evolving weather situation.

According to the IMD’s special bulletin released on April 10, 2026, maximum temperatures have already risen by around 3°C at isolated locations in north coastal Odisha, while other areas have seen minimal variation. The highest temperature recorded recently was 38.9°C in Boudh, while the lowest minimum temperature stood at 18.5°C in Jharsuguda.

Yellow Warning Details

• April 11–12: Hot and humid conditions are likely at isolated places in districts such as Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Jajpur, Puri, Khurdha, Nayagarh, Gajapati, and Ganjam.
• April 13–14: Heatwave conditions are very likely at isolated places in Balangir, Bargarh, and Sambalpur. Coastal and southern districts will continue to experience hot and humid weather.
• April 15–16: Similar hot and humid conditions are expected to persist across coastal and southern districts.

Authorities have been instructed to ensure wide dissemination of the warning, particularly among vulnerable groups such as infants, elderly individuals, pregnant women, and those with existing health conditions.

Public Advisory

Residents are advised to avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours (11:00 AM to 3:30 PM), wear light and loose cotton clothing, and stay hydrated. The use of ORS, lassi, torani, sugarcane juice, lemon water, and buttermilk is recommended to prevent dehydration.

People are also urged to avoid alcohol, caffeinated beverages, carbonated drinks, and stale or high-protein food. Outdoor work should be scheduled during cooler hours, with frequent rest breaks.

Health officials have warned that symptoms such as dizziness, headache, nausea, weakness, or seizures require immediate medical attention.

Special Measures for Farmers and Public Safety

Farmers have been advised to continue irrigation for crops like sugarcane, summer maize, pulses, and vegetables. Livestock should be kept in shaded areas with adequate water supply.

Authorities have also cautioned against leaving children and pets inside parked vehicles. Public gatherings, including election rallies, are to be closely monitored during peak heat hours to ensure safety.

The SRC has emphasized the need for constant vigilance and timely action by all departments to mitigate the impact of rising temperatures and safeguard public health.