BHUBANESWAR: Odisha is currently enduring a severe summer, with Jharsuguda registering the highest maximum temperature in the country at 44.6 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. This marks a rise of 3.4 degrees above the normal temperature for this time of year.

On that day, approximately 25 locations across the state recorded temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius or higher. Talcher reached 43.5 degrees Celsius, followed closely by Sambalpur at 43.3 degrees Celsius, Hirakud at 43.2 degrees Celsius, and Angul at 43.1 degrees Celsius. The extreme heat has disrupted normal life, even in coastal areas.

Meanwhile, Bhubaneswar noted its highest temperature of the season at 41.2 degrees Celsius, while neighboring Cuttack recorded 39.8 degrees Celsius.

Weather experts indicated that, although no areas in Odisha have officially reported a heatwave, oppressive conditions persist throughout the state. They attributed the sultry weather to a decrease in nor’wester rain activity, stemming from reduced moisture influx from the Bay of Bengal and the movement of dry north-westerly to westerly winds into the region.

Additionally, the regional meteorological office has warned that isolated areas in Balangir, Jharsuguda, and Sambalpur districts may experience heatwave conditions on Thursday. The forecast suggests that parts of the state will continue to see hot and humid weather along with warm nights until Sunday.

The regional met office has predicted hot and humid conditions at several locations in Balangir, Sundargarh, Boudh, Sonepur, Sambalpur, Angul, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Ganjam, and Gajapati districts this week. Some areas may also experience thunderstorm activity during this period.