Just days after the Kalbaisakhi rains provided temporary relief, Odisha is experiencing a severe heatwave once more. On Sunday, six cities surpassed the 40°C threshold, with Titlagarh being the hottest at a sweltering 41.5°C, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre.

Balangir and Bhawanipatna both reached 41°C, while Jharsuguda recorded 40.7°C, Sambalpur 40.1°C, and Hirakud hit 40°C, as confirmed by Director Manorama Mahanti.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a stark warning that the traditional Odia New Year – Pana Sankranti on April 14 – could see temperatures soaring to a punishing 45°C in certain areas of the state. By April 16, the state capital Bhubaneswar is expected to reach 40°C, with interior districts potentially climbing between 40°C and 44°C.

A yellow alert for heatwave conditions has already been issued for April 14 in select regions of Bargarh and Balangir districts. On April 15 and 16, heatwave conditions will affect Bargarh, Balangir, Jharsuguda, and Sambalpur, while the coastal areas will experience hot and humid weather. The discomfort is expected to persist until April 19 in Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khordha, Nayagarh, Ganjam, and Gajapati districts.

Daytime temperatures are projected to rise another 4-6°C over the next five days, with little relief anticipated thereafter. Clear skies following last week’s western disturbances have intensified the heat, particularly in western Odisha.

The seasonal outlook is equally concerning, as the IMD forecasts above-normal heatwave days across Odisha from April to June, with the coast likely to remain hot and humid. As the mercury continues to rise, it is evident that summer 2026 has arrived with full force.