Bhubaneswar: Residents of Bhubaneswar experienced intense discomfort on Friday as the heat index in the city touched a staggering 54 degrees Celsius amid heatwave and soaring humidity.

According to the weather observation record, the actual temperature at 2.30 pm was recorded at 37 degrees Celsius, but the heat index, which indicates how hot it feels when humidity is combined with air temperature, surged to 54 degrees Celsius.

Humidity and sultry conditions started affecting residents from early morning itself. At 5.30 am, the temperature was recorded at 31.4 degrees Celsius, while the heat index had already climbed to 45 degrees Celsius.

By 8.30 am, the temperature rose slightly to 32.4 degrees Celsius, but the heat index increased further to 46 degrees Celsius.

The situation worsened by 11.30 am when the temperature reached 35 degrees Celsius, and the heat index shot up to 49 degrees Celsius.

The severe humidity levels caused excessive sweating and uneasiness among residents in the capital city.

Notably, the heat index becomes significantly higher during periods of high moisture in the atmosphere, making the weather feel much hotter than the actual recorded temperature.