Bhubaneswar, Apr 24: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave warning for six districts of Odisha over the next 24 hours, as temperatures are expected to rise steadily until April 26.

Districts under immediate heatwave alert include Balangir, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Angul, Keonjhar, and Khordha.

According to the IMD bulletin, as many as 13 districts across the state will experience intense heat conditions during the next 24 hours. These include Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Balasore, and Bhadrak in northern Odisha; Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, and Jagatsinghpur in the central coastal belt; and Puri, Khordha, Nayagarh, Ganjam, and Gajapati in southern Odisha.

Residents in these regions are advised to take precautionary measures against heat-related illnesses.

Officials have cautioned that both daytime and nighttime temperatures are likely to remain above normal until April 26, intensifying the discomfort levels. Alongside the heatwave, the impact of the seasonal Kalbaisakhi (Nor’wester) phenomenon is also expected in parts of the state, bringing sporadic thunderstorms and gusty winds.

Also read: Bhubaneswar Hits 42°C as Heatwave Grips Odisha

The IMD has urged people to avoid direct exposure to the sun, stay hydrated, and limit outdoor activities during peak hours.

Authorities are also preparing to tackle possible health emergencies, with hospitals and local administrations on alert. With the mercury climbing, Odisha is bracing for one of the hottest spells of the season.