Bhubaneswar: Blistering heat continued to disrupt normal life across Odisha, with at least 17 places in the state recording maximum temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius or above on Sunday.

Jharsuguda emerged as the hottest location at 44.8°C, followed by Sonepur (43.7°C). Titilagarh recorded 43.6°C, Bhawanipatna 43.4°C, and Balangir 43.1°C. Boudh and Sambalpur registered 43°C each, while Sundargarh (42.8°C) and Rourkela (42.7°C) also reeled under severe heat.

Nuapada and Nayagarh recorded 42.5°C each, Hirakud 42.4°C, Talcher 41.5°C, and Phulbani 40.4°C. Bargarh, Paralakhemundi, and Keonjhargarh recorded 40°C each.

The intense heatwave forced people to remain indoors during peak hours, with roads wearing a deserted look. Many residents were seen taking shelter under trees and buildings, while others thronged stalls selling sugarcane juice and lemon water to stay hydrated.

Meanwhile, the state’s General Administration and Public Grievance Department announced the postponement of the Chief Minister’s public grievance hearing programme scheduled for Monday.

The department clarified applicants who had registered online to meet the Chief Minister need not register again. “The next date for the grievance hearing in Bhubaneswar will be communicated through newspapers,” it stated.

The Regional Meteorological Centre has forecast no significant change in maximum temperatures over the next two to three days, followed by a possible drop of 2–4°C across districts.

Amid rising concerns over heatstroke, the state government has halted census work between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to ensure the safety of enumerators.

In view of the prevailing conditions, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has also announced early summer vacation for schools starting April 27.