Bhubaneswar, Apr 22: The Regional Meteorological Centre has issued a heatwave alert for Jharsuguda and Balangir districts over the next 24 hours, warning residents to take precautions against soaring temperatures.

Alongside this, a yellow alert for hot and humid conditions has been extended to several districts including Angul, Boudh, Sonepur, Sundargarh, Sambalpur, Ganjam, Gajapati, Nayagarh, Khordha, Puri, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Jajpur, Bhadrak, and Balasore.

In addition to the heatwave warnings, the weather department has also cautioned about Kalbaisakhi thunderstorms in districts such as Nabarangpur, Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Mayurbhanj, and parts of coastal Odisha.

Also read: School Holidays Extended Due to Heatwave

These storms are expected to bring rainfall accompanied by lightning and wind speeds ranging from 30 to 40 kmph. A yellow warning has been issued to alert residents of possible disruptions.

Mercury Hits New Highs

According to forecasts, the heatwave conditions are likely to persist until April 25, with no immediate relief expected. The department has further predicted that temperatures will remain steady for the next four days, followed by a rise of 2-3°C thereafter.

On Wednesday afternoon, Bhubaneswar recorded a maximum temperature of 41°C, while Jharsuguda topped the charts at 44.4°C.

Other major towns also reported scorching conditions: Sambalpur at 43.2°C, Hirakud at 43°C, Rourkela at 41°C, Kendujhar at 40.2°C, Chandbali at 39.6°C, and Balasore at 37.6°C.

Schools Closed

Collectors of 13 districts have issued to close all government and private schools until further notice. According to an official letter from the Nabarangpur District Collector, all schools in the district will remain closed due to the prevailing extreme temperatures. The order states that the closure will continue until new instructions are issued.

Similar directives have been given by other district collectors in regions severely affected by the heatwave.

Authorities have indicated that a broader decision on summer holidays across Odisha will be taken after reviewing the evolving weather conditions.