The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has raised concerns over a severe heat wave in Odisha, prompted by Bhubaneshwar recording the season’s highest temperature at a scorching 43.6 degrees Celsius. In a statement posted on X, the IMD warned of severe heat wave conditions likely to prevail at isolated locations across Odisha from April 18-19, escalating to heat wave conditions from April 20-21, 2024.
Manorama Mohanty, Director of IMD Bhubaneswar, informed the press that Bhubaneshwar, along with Boudh and Angul, registered temperatures exceeding 43 degrees Celsius. Additionally, 27 cities in the state reported temperatures above 41 degrees Celsius.
Mohanty advised residents to brace for severe heat wave conditions on April 19, with coastal areas experiencing hot and humid weather, possibly leading to warm nights. The heat wave is expected to persist through April 20 and 21. However, some respite can be anticipated post-April 21, with forecasts predicting rain, lightning, thunder, and gusty winds.
Regarding temperature projections, Mohanty cautioned that temperatures could surpass 45 degrees Celsius in regions like Mayurbhanj, Angul, Nayagarh, Balangir, and Kalahandi.
The IMD issued a Yellow alert for several districts including Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Balasore, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Khurda, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Nayagarh, and Kandhamal. This alert advises the public to stay informed, indicating that heat wave conditions may persist at isolated pockets for two days.
Acknowledging the health risks, especially for vulnerable groups such as infants, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses, the IMD emphasized the importance of taking precautions during this period of heightened temperatures.
In response to the forecast, the Odisha government announced the closure of all schools in the state from April 18 to 20 as a precautionary measure.
