A blistering heat wave prevailed in most parts of the State as 16 places recorded above 40 degree Celsius while mercury soared above 45 degree in nine places on Thursday.
Titilagarh recorded temperature of 47 degree Celsius, which was the highest across the country, followed by Sonepur 46.2 degree. Both Hirakud and Talcher registered 45.6 degree while Bhubaneswar recorded 40.3 degree.
The other places that recorded temperature above 45 degree were Angul (45.1), Jharsuguda (45.3), Sundargar (45), Bhawanipatna (45) and Balangir (45).
The temperature of Cuttack city remained at 39 degree.
The other places that recorded temperature above 40 degree were Chandbali (41.9), Baripada (42.6), Keonjhar (44), Sambalpur (44.8), Phulbani (42.5) and Dhenkanal (44.3).
IMD Bhubaneswar Director Sarat Chandra Sahu said the heat wave condition would prevail in several parts of the State till April 23.
He also said southern parts of the State may experience rain in next 24 hours.
“Strong and gusty surface wind speed reaching 35 to 40 kmph is likely to prevail along and off Odisha coast. Fishermen are advised to be cautious while venturing into the sea,” said a release of the met department.