Scorching Conditions to Continue for Next Five Days
The state is reeling under intense heat, with extremely high temperatures and uncomfortable humidity levels persisting across regions. According to the Bhubaneswar Regional Meteorological Centre, the prevailing weather conditions are expected to continue for the next five days, offering little relief to residents.

Yellow Warning for Warm Nights and Humid Conditions
The weather department has issued a yellow warning for warm night conditions in Sambalpur and Balangir districts. Additionally, 11 coastal districts are likely to experience hot and humid weather, prompting further alerts from the authorities.

Heatwave Warning in Western Districts
A heatwave warning has been issued for Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Sundargarh, and Balangir districts. The intensity of the heat is expected to rise further from April 21, with no significant change in temperature likely over the next 6 to 7 days.

In the last 24 hours, at least 16 districts recorded temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius. Titlagarh reported the highest temperature at 42.7 degrees Celsius, making it one of the hottest places in the state.

Rain and Thunderstorm Likely in Some Districts
Meanwhile, the weather department has forecast light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning in seven districts—Koraput, Rayagada, Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj. A yellow warning has been issued for these areas as well.

Schools Closed in Several Districts Due to Extreme Heat
Amid the severe heatwave, district administrations have ordered the closure of educational institutions in multiple districts to ensure student safety.

In Khordha district, all schools will remain closed from April 20 to April 23. The closure applies to both government and private schools, as well as Anganwadi centres.

Authorities in Sambalpur, Nuapada, Nabarangpur, and Jharsuguda have directed that schools, Anganwadi centres, and technical institutions remain closed from April 20 until further notice. In Boudh, institutions will remain shut until April 22, while Mayurbhanj has declared closure from April 20 to April 23.

Earlier, Balangir, Subarnapur, and Kalahandi districts had also announced school closures from April 18 to April 21 due to the ongoing heatwave.

Authorities Urge Caution
Officials have advised people to take necessary precautions, avoid exposure to direct sunlight during peak hours, and stay hydrated as the state continues to face extreme summer conditions.

Extreme Heat Likely Across Western Odisha
A severe heatwave is expected to grip western parts of Odisha, with temperatures likely to soar up to 45°C in districts such as Titlagarh, Balangir, Sonepur, Sambalpur, and Jharsuguda. Several other regions including Bargarh, Rourkela, Angul, Bhawanipatna, and Boudh may also witness temperatures rising up to 43°C.

The weather department has issued this forecast, warning of intense heat conditions continuing at least until April 19.

Heatwave Conditions to Intensify
Interior parts of Odisha are also expected to experience extreme heat, making daily life difficult for residents. Hot winds and rising temperatures are likely to disrupt normal activities, especially during daytime hours.

Recent temperature records already indicate rising heat levels, with Titlagarh recording 42°C, Bhawanipatna 41.8°C, Jharsuguda 41.6°C, and Sambalpur, Hirakud, and Balangir around 41°C. Boudh and Nuapada have also recorded temperatures close to 40°C.

Rain and Thunderstorm Likely in Some Regions
Despite the heatwave, parts of coastal and northern Odisha may receive some relief. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and rain are expected in districts such as Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jajpur, Ganjam, and Gajapati due to Kalbaisakhi activity.

On April 17, heatwave conditions will persist in Balangir, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, and Sonepur, while coastal and southern Odisha may experience hot and humid conditions. Northern Odisha could see scattered thunderstorms.

Weather Outlook for April 18–19
Between April 18 and 19, most parts of western Odisha will continue to experience heatwave conditions. Meanwhile, districts like Ganjam, Gajapati, Koraput, and Malkangiri may witness thunderstorms with lightning and rainfall, offering temporary relief.

Heatwave Impact Across India
The intense summer heat is not limited to Odisha. Several parts of India are experiencing rising temperatures. In the Delhi NCR, temperatures have reached between 38°C and 40°C in recent days.

However, weather changes are expected in northern regions. States like Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana are likely to witness cloudy skies along with rainfall.

Light to moderate rain, thunderstorms, strong winds, and even hailstorms are expected in parts of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Alerts have been issued for possible hailstorms in these regions, while Punjab and Haryana may also receive rainfall in the coming days.

Advisory for Public
Authorities advise people to avoid stepping out during peak afternoon hours, stay hydrated, and take necessary precautions against heat-related illnesses as temperatures continue to rise across the state and country.