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.
