Bhubaneswar: Normal life was severely disrupted across several districts of Odisha on Wednesday as an intense heatwave swept the state. According to the Regional Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar, at least 21 locations recorded maximum temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius or above, with Jharsuguda emerging as the hottest place at a scorching 46°C.

This is the first instance this season of any location in the state touching the 46°C mark.

Jharsuguda was followed by Sambalpur at 45.3°C and Hirakud at 45°C. Other major temperatures recorded include Sonepur at 43.9°C, Bargarh and Talcher at 43.8°C each, Titlagarh at 43.5°C, and Balangir at 43.3°C.

Sundargarh recorded 42.8°C, Angul 42.1°C, Nayagarh 42°C, Nuapada 41.5°C, and Rourkela 41.3°C. Kendujhar and Baripada and Jajpur recorded 40.4°C each, while Kendrapara and Bhadrak recorded 40.2°C and 40°C respectively. Malkangiri was at 40°C and Khordha at 41.5 °C.

The extreme heat kept people indoors for most of the day, with minimal movement observed in public places. Those venturing out were seen taking shelter under trees or shaded areas. Many tried to beat the heat by staying hydrated, consuming beverages like sugarcane juice and fruits such as watermelon.

The Meteorological Centre has forecast no significant change in day temperatures over the next seven days across the state.

Orange warning issued

Issuing an orange warning, the weather office said heatwave to severe heatwave conditions are very likely at one or two places in Sambalpur district.

Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 50–60 kmph are likely to occur in the afternoon or evening hours at isolated places in Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghapur and Mayurbhanj districts. An orange warning has also been issued for these areas.

Heatwave conditions are also likely at isolated places in Jharsuguda, Angul and Nayagarh districts.

Warm night conditions are expected in parts of Sambalpur and Balangir. Meanwhile, hot and humid conditions are likely to prevail in districts including Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghapur, Cuttack, Sundargarh, Bargarh, Boudh, Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri and Khurda.

Additionally, thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds of 40–50 kmph are likely in Cuttack, Sundargarh, Rayagada, Koraput, Gajapati and Ganjam.

Thunderstorms with winds of 30–40 kmph are also expected at isolated places in Jajpur, Deogarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Boudh, Nuapada, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, Puri, Khurda and Nayagarh districts.

A yellow warning has been issued for these districts, the weather office added.