Bhubaneswar, May 26: Several parts of Odisha continued to reel under severe heat on Tuesday, with temperatures nearing 40°C in multiple regions by late morning, according to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
At around 11:30 am, western Odisha districts recorded the highest temperatures. Jharsuguda and Sambalpur reported 39°C with humidity levels of 46%, pushing the heat index to around 49°C.
In Bhubaneswar, the temperature stood at 36.2°C, but high humidity of 62% significantly increased discomfort levels, pushing the “feels-like” temperature or heat index to nearly 50°C — the highest among the reported locations.
Hirakud recorded a relatively lower temperature of 36°C with a heat index of 44°C.
Officials noted that high humidity combined with rising temperatures is making conditions more oppressive, leading to increased risk of heat stress even when actual temperatures appear moderate.
The IMD has indicated that this intense heat spell is likely to persist in several parts of the state in the coming days, and has advised people to take precautions during peak afternoon hours.
