The heat wave-like conditions are likely to prevail in Odisha for a week more with the mercury level reaching around 44 degrees Celsius in some places, said a release issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Bhubaneswar on Wednesday.
The release stated that the heat wave like condition may prevail over Odisha due to Northwesterly dry and hot wind from Northwest parts of India towards Odisha coast in addition to clear sky condition here. Cyclonic circulation over East-Central Bay of Bengal and subsequent formation of low pressure there in 48 hours favours the continuation of flow of dry and hot Northwesterly wind through Odisha coast, it added.
Temperature ranging from 42 to 44 degree C in most parts of Odisha barring few stations coastal and hill stations in Odisha may prevail during the period. IMD Bhubaneswar Director Sarat Chandra Sahu said intense humid condition would prevail in the coastal and interior region as the sea breeze may not be strong enough during the period.
“So, uncomfortable like situation in both day and night will be experienced over coastal and interior districts during this period,” he added. Meanwhile, temperature went up alarmingly in most parts of the State with mercury going beyond 40 degrees at 12 places. In the coastal districts, intense humid conditions made life miserable for the people.
While Titilagarh and Hirakud sizzled with 44.0 degree Celsius, the highest in the State, temperature crossed the 40 degree mark in Sambalpur (43.9), Jharsuguda (43.4), Sonepur (43.4), Bhawanipatna (43.2), Balangir (43.0), Sundargarh (41.5), Talcher (41.2) Angul (41.1), Malkangiri (41.0) and Bhubaneswar (40.7).
Due to blowing of heat waves between 11am and 4 pm, most of the people prefer remaining indoors in the city. Traffic becomes thinner in the noon time. Umbrellas and sun glasses couldn’t give solace as scorching heat and relative humidity (79 per cent) disrupt normal life.
Power cuts in the city and other parts of the State left the people in distress. The frequent power cuts rubbed salt into the wounds of the people of the State including the capital city.