Odisha braces for fresh heatwave spell, IMD issues yellow warning till May 14

Bhubaneswar, May 8: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that day temperatures across Odisha are expected to rise by 2 to 4°C over the next three to four days, marking the return of sultry conditions. A yellow warning for heatwave and hot, humid weather has been issued and will remain in effect until May 14.

After a brief respite last week brought by rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds, the mercury has once again begun to climb. On Wednesday, Sambalpur recorded the highest temperature at 41°C, followed by Balangir at 40.8°C, Jharsuguda at 40.4°C, and Titlagarh at 40°C, while Bhubaneswar reported 37.2°C.

Although nor’wester activity has reduced, isolated thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds reaching 40–50 kmph are likely in parts of Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore, Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Ganjam, and Gajapati on May 8. Similar activity with winds of 30–40 kmph may affect Bhadrak, Sundargarh, Angul, Boudh, Balangir, Nuapada, Nabarangpur, Nayagarh, Kalahandi, and Kandhamal.

Hot and humid conditions will persist in coastal districts until May 14. Heatwave conditions are forecast to intensify from May 10 onwards, particularly in western Odisha. The IMD has also predicted above-normal heatwave days for the state during May.