Odisha Sizzles as 11 Places Cross 40°C; Bolangir Hottest at 43.2°C

Bhubaneswar: Intense summer heat continued to grip Odisha on Thursday, with at least 11 places across the state recording temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius or above, according to the evening weather bulletin issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre.

Bolangir emerged as the hottest place in the state, recording a maximum temperature of 43.2°C. Sambalpur followed closely at 43.1°C, while Titilagarh registered 43°C.

Several other districts also witnessed severe heat conditions. Hirakud recorded 42.5°C, Bargarh 42.2°C, Nuapada 42°C, Jharsuguda 41.8°C, Boudh 41.6°C, Bhawanipatna 41.5°C, Angul 41.1°C, Sonepur 40.8°C and Sundargarh 40.2°C.

The state capital Bhubaneswar recorded 37.7°C, while neighbouring Cuttack registered 37°C.

Among other major towns, Phulbani recorded 39°C, Malkangiri 39.4°C, Talcher 39.2°C and Paralakhemundi 39°C.

Meanwhile, the IMD reported rainfall activity in several parts of the state during the 24 hours ending at 8:30 am on Thursday. Gopalpur received the highest rainfall at 32.5 mm, followed by Puri with 25.2 mm, Rourkela 23.3 mm, Chatrapur 22.4 mm and Bhawanipatna 22.2 mm.

Despite scattered rainfall, humidity levels remained high, especially in coastal districts, increasing discomfort among residents. Chandbali recorded 93 per cent relative humidity at 8:30 am, while humidity in several coastal areas remained above 80 per cent.

The weather office has advised people to take precautions against heat-related illnesses, particularly in western Odisha districts where temperatures continue to remain significantly high.