IMD warns of heatwave and warm nights in Odisha from March 13-16

Bhubaneswar, March 12: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued heatwave and warm night warnings for Odisha between March 13 and 16. Several districts, including Boudh, Sundargarh, Mayurbhanj, Balangir, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Angul, and Sonepur, have been placed under orange and yellow alerts.

Weather experts predict that the maximum temperature in the state will rise by 2-3 degrees Celsius over the next five days. Similarly, nighttime temperatures are expected to increase, but this change will likely occur after three days.

Unlike last year, when no heatwave days were recorded in March, this year’s early heatwave signals a worrying trend. According to IMD criteria, a heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature reaches 40 degrees Celsius and is at least 4.5-6.4 degrees Celsius above normal. Warm nights occur when the minimum temperature also rises by the same margin.

Jharsuguda experienced a significant spike in temperature, reaching 37.2 degrees Celsius at 11:30 AM, marking the season’s highest so far. Authorities have advised people to minimize outdoor exposure between 11 AM and 3 PM and take necessary precautions such as wearing light clothing, staying hydrated, and avoiding prolonged sun exposure.