Jharsuguda: As many as 16 places in Odisha reeled under a heatwave on Tuesday, with Jharsuguda recording the highest temperature of 43.8°C. Sambalpur was the second hottest place at 43.6°C, followed by Hirakud at 43.3°C, Rourkela at 42.4°C, Baripada at 42°C, Sonepur at 41.8°C, Balangir at 41.7°C, Sundargarh at 41.2°C, Bargarh at 41.1°C, Malkangiri at 41 °C, and Nuapada at 41°C.
Bhubaneswar, which had been experiencing temperatures below 40°C for the past few days, saw a spike in temperature to 41.9°C. Cuttack recorded 39.5°C.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast no major change in maximum temperatures for the next five days. Temperatures are likely to remain above normal by 2-4°C at a few places in the state. The hot weather condition is expected to end in the next 4–5 days.
Meanwhile, the progress of the southwest monsoon towards the Kerala coast is likely to be impeded due to the formation of a low-pressure area in the southeast Arabian Sea.
The IMD said that the low-pressure area, which formed over the Southeast Arabian Sea on Monday night, intensified into a depression on Tuesday morning and is expected to become a cyclone in the next 24 hours.
The cyclone is likely to move north-westward and cross the coast of Odisha between Puri and Balasore districts on June 10. It is likely to bring heavy rains to Odisha and adjoining states.
