Heatwave to return to Odisha as temperatures rise, IMD issues alert

Bhubaneswar, March 25: After a brief spell of nor’wester-induced heavy rain, Odisha is set to experience a resurgence of heatwave conditions this week, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) informed on Tuesday.

According to the IMD, dry weather is likely to prevail across the state, with a gradual rise in daytime temperatures by 2-6°C over the next four days. While night temperatures will remain steady for the next two days, they are expected to increase by 2-3°C in the following three days.

The weather agency has issued a yellow warning for heatwave conditions on March 29, particularly for Balangir, Kalahandi, Sambalpur, and Sonepur districts. Senior meteorologist Umasankar Das stated that from March 29 to March 31, maximum temperatures in several regions are likely to exceed 40°C, making conditions unbearable.

Highlighting the warming trend, Das pointed out that Jharsuguda has already witnessed a steady rise in temperature—from 24°C on March 22 to 34°C on March 25. With similar trends expected statewide, residents are advised to take necessary precautions against the looming heatwave.