As forecast by the Indian Metrological Department (IMD), the temperatures crossed the 40-degree Celsius mark in several places of the State on Sunday with heat wave-like conditions prevailing in many parts, throwing normal life out of gear.
However, the weather office has predicted norwesters to hit some of the districts in next couple of days which are likely to bring the temperatures down.
On Saturday, the mercury soared with Balangir recording 42 degree Celsius on the day, the highest of the season so far. Five other stations too recorded temperature above 40 degree Celsius.
On Sunday, Titilagarh recorded the highest temperature of the day at 43 degree Celsius, followed by Balangir 41 degree and Sambalpur 40.1 degree. Jharsuguda and Sundargarh recorded 40.5 degree each and Malakangiri 40.2 degree Celsius.
However, the temperature in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack recorded 34.4 degree Celsius and 35.2 degree Celsius respectively.
Thunderstorms are likely in some parts of the State like Cuttack, Khordha, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak, and Mayurbhanj in next two days from March 26 to 28. It will further help in easing off the heat,” said IMD Director SC Sahu.