Odisha Braces for Severe Heatwave, IMD Warns of 45°C Temperatures

Bhubaneswar, April 14: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a severe heatwave warning for Odisha, predicting that temperatures may soar beyond 45°C in several districts over the next five days.

On April 13, eight cities recorded temperatures above 40°C, with Titlagarh topping the chart at 41°C, followed closely by Jharsuguda (40.8°C), Sambalpur and Hirakud (40.4°C), Bhawanipatna (40.4°C), Balangir (40.2°C), and Angul and Sonepur (40.1°C).

The IMD cautioned that daytime temperatures will rise 4–6°C above normal, particularly in coastal and western Odisha, where the heatwave impact will be most severe.

Adding to concerns, the department also forecast below‑normal monsoon rainfall this year, raising fears of water scarcity.

Authorities have urged citizens to take precautions, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, and stay hydrated as Odisha faces one of its harshest summer spells in recent years.