Bhubaneswar: The state is reeling under an intense heatwave. The unbearable humidity is making life difficult, and stepping out after 9 AM has become a challenge. People are feeling drained under the blazing sun. However, there may be some slight relief from Nor’wester (Kalbaishakhi) showers. Due to its influence, northern and southern Odisha might experience more rainfall. Districts like Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Kandhamal, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj are likely to witness thunderstorms and rain. Still, hot and humid conditions will persist in coastal and western Odisha, as per the weather department’s assessment.
On Wednesday, Sambalpur is expected to record a maximum temperature of 41°C. Temperatures in Balangir may reach 40°C, while Jharsuguda, Boudh, Bargarh, and Titilagarh could record around 39°C. On Thursday (22nd), both Sambalpur and Balangir may touch 40°C. Most parts of western Odisha are expected to see temperatures between 38°C to 40°C. On Tuesday, Sambalpur had recorded 41.6°C. Temperatures in Hirakud, Balangir, Titilagarh, and Angul crossed 40°C, and most places in western Odisha hovered around that mark.
In the state capital, Bhubaneswar crossed 33°C by Tuesday morning. At 8:30 AM, the temperature was 33.6°C with 62.3% humidity, leading to heavy sweating. By 11:30 AM, it rose to 37.4°C with 48.7% humidity, making it feel like 46°C. By noon, it had touched 38.4°C. With clouds now covering the sky, experts predict that both temperature and humidity may increase in the coming days.
The southwest monsoon is predicted to reach Kerala within the next 4–5 days. In the last 24 hours, due to the impact of Kalbaishakhi, Jharsuguda’s Kiramara received 55.4 mm rainfall. Other recorded rainfalls include: Bhadrak’s Akhuapada – 38.8 mm, Sundargarh’s Tangarapalli – 32.4 mm, Dhenkanal – 29.4 mm, Bhadrak – 26.4 mm, Jajpur – 24.6 mm, and Jharsuguda – 20 mm.