Though the heat wave conditions continued in most parts of the State on Friday with 15 places recording above 40 degree Celsius, a relief from the scorching heat is likely after May 14 because of a low pressure over the Bay of Bengal.
According to the Met Department sources, a low pressure is most likely to form over south-west Bay of Bengal by Saturday evening which will precipitate rainfall in most parts of Odisha in the next 48 hours.
On Friday, Talcher recorded the highest temperature of 44.2 degree Celsius followed by Balangir and Titilagarh with 43.5 and 43 degree Celsius, respectively. The capital city also sizzled at 42.2 degree Celsius.
The other places that recorded above 40 degree are Baleswar (40.6), Chandbali (41.0), Angul (42.7), Jharsuguda (42.6), Keonjhar (40.1), Sambalpur (42.3), Sundargarh (41), Hirakud (42.4), Bhawanipatna (42.7), Malkangiri (40.6) and Sonepur (41.3).
Meanwhile, reports have been received on Friday from different sources on the death of 181 persons due to sun stroke of which 18 cases have been confirmed. In 77 cases, the death has occurred due to other reasons. The remaining 86 cases are under inquiry, a release by the office of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) said.