The heat is expected to intensify across Odisha from March 11, with the daytime temperature likely to rise by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre. Several districts, particularly in western Odisha, may witness temperatures approaching 40°C in the coming days.

Western Odisha Braces for Intense Heat

Weather officials have predicted that Titlagarh may touch 40°C, while most cities in western Odisha are likely to record temperatures above 37°C.

On March 12, apart from Titlagarh, districts such as Balangir, Bhawanipatna, Subarnapur, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Angul, Bargarh and Nuapada are also expected to experience maximum temperatures close to 40°C, indicating a gradual rise in heat conditions in the region.

Coastal Odisha Also Likely to Get Hotter

The temperature is also expected to increase in coastal districts, including Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, where the mercury may rise to around 38°C, the Regional Meteorological Centre forecasted.

Possibility of Thunderstorms in North Odisha

Meanwhile, some districts in north Odisha may experience Kalbaisakhi (thunderstorms) accompanied by lightning and gusty winds.

On March 9, districts such as Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar may receive rainfall with lightning and strong winds. On March 10, similar weather conditions are expected in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore and Bhadrak.

However, the Meteorological Department has said that weather conditions are likely to remain mostly dry for the next seven days after these brief spells.

Recent Temperature Readings in Odisha

On Saturday, Jharsuguda recorded the highest temperature in the state at 37.6°C. Other major readings included 37°C in Titlagarh, 36.5°C in Balangir, 36.2°C in Nayagarh, 36.1°C in Bhawanipatna, and 36°C in Sundargarh and Nuapada.

Heatwave Warning Across Several Parts of India

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also warned that heatwave conditions may develop in several parts of the country within the next five days.

Regions such as Vidarbha in Maharashtra, interior Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and north interior Karnataka have already recorded temperatures between 37°C and 41°C.

Unusual Rise in Temperature in Northern India

In addition, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh have recorded daytime temperatures more than 5°C above normal, indicating an early rise in heat levels.

Heatwave Conditions in Southern and Western India

According to the IMD, coastal Andhra Pradesh, central Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema are expected to remain under heatwave conditions until Monday.

Similarly, north Tamil Nadu may also experience an early heatwave spell, which could continue until Monday. Between March 9 and 11, Gujarat and the Kutch–Saurashtra region are also likely to experience heatwave conditions.

With temperatures steadily rising across many parts of the country, weather experts have advised people to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses.