Bhubaneswar, Apr 22: Odisha has been facing relentless heatwave conditions for the past five days, with both western and coastal regions experiencing extreme temperatures.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow warning for 11 coastal districts—Ganjam, Gajapati, Nayagarh, Khordha, Cuttack, Puri, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, Bhadrak, and Balasore—cautioning residents about hot and humid weather over the next 24 hours.

Meanwhile, districts such as Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Mayurbhanj, and Keonjhar have been placed under a yellow warning for thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and rainfall.

From April 23 onwards, the IMD has forecast an intensification of heatwave conditions in Balangir, Angul, and Jharsuguda, with warnings in place until April 25.

The department has also predicted no significant change in temperature for the next four days, followed by a rise of 2–3°C thereafter.

Western Odisha remains the worst affected, with 15 districts recording temperatures above 40°C in the last 24 hours. Titlagarh registered the highest at 42.5°C, underscoring the severity of the heatwave. The IMD has cautioned that relief from the scorching conditions is unlikely in the immediate future, and residents are advised to take necessary precautions against heat-related illnesses.

In response to this, schools, colleges, and Anganwadi centers in several districts have been ordered closure until April 25. Earlier, the closure was announced until April 21, but with rising temperatures, authorities have prolonged the holiday.

Also read: Heatwave Conditions Likely to Persist in Odisha for Five Days, Yellow Warning Issued

The education department has clarified that online classes will continue during this period to ensure academic continuity.

The prolonged heatwave has disrupted daily life, with rising concerns about public health and safety. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and further advisories are expected if temperatures continue to climb.