For the first time, the State Capital city of Bhubaneswar has emerged as the hottest place in the State if the average temperature during this year's summer is taken into account.
So far, the western town of Titilagarh was known as the place registering the highest temperature on an average basis, for which it was termed as 'Tatalagarh' (hottest zone).
On Wednesday, Bhubaneswar recorded the highest temperature of 44 degree Celsius. The oppressive heat wave threw normal life out of gear.
As per the Met office data, 14 towns of the State recorded temperature above 40 degree Celsius. Besides the Capital city, costal town Chandbali recorded 43.0 degree Celsius followed by Sambalpur (42.9), Angul (42.7), Jharsuguda (42.6), Talcher (42.2), Balangir (42.0), Baripada (41.8), Hirakud (41.7), Baleswar (41.2), Sundargarh (41.0), Titilagarh (41.0), Dhenkanal (40.7) and Bhawanipatna (40.2).
Some coastal areas experienced heat wave with intolerable humidity which made life miserable for the people.
India Meteorological Department (IMD) Bhubaneswar Director Sarat Chandra Sahu said the severe heat wave condition would prevail across the State for the next two days due to flow of north-westerly dry and hot wind. However, the Met Centre's prediction saying the monsoon is likely to hit the State between June 13 and 15 brought some feeling of relief for the people of the State.