Bhubaneswar: Severe heatwave conditions continued to grip Odisha on Thursday, with several parts of the state experiencing scorching temperatures and oppressive humidity. 

Bhubaneswar recorded a temperature of 41 degrees Celsius by Thursday afternoon, while several other places also crossed the 40-degree mark. 

Despite intermittent thunderstorm activity in several places including Keonjhar, intense heatwave conditions persisted across the state. 

Hot and humid conditions likely till May 25

The IMD said hot and humid weather conditions are likely to continue till May 25, with severe heatwave conditions expected in parts of western and interior Odisha.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty surface winds are likely to continue across several districts of Odisha till May 27.

According to the IMD, thunderstorms with lightning and wind speeds of 40-50 kmph were very likely to occur in the afternoon or evening hours at isolated places in Nawrangpur, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri and Gajapati districts on Thursday.

Similarly, thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds reaching 30-40 kmph were forecast for Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghapur, Cuttack, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Nuapada, Kalahandi, Ganjam, Puri, Khurda and Nayagarh districts.

For May 22, the weather agency predicted heatwave to severe heatwave conditions in Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Bolangir and Nayagarh districts. Heatwave conditions are also likely in Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Bargarh, Angul, Sonepur, Boudh and Sundergarh districts.

Warm night conditions are expected to prevail in Sambalpur and Bolangir districts, while hot and humid weather may affect Balasore, Jagatsinghapur, Cuttack, Deogarh, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Malkangiri, Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri and Khurda districts.

The IMD has forecast similar weather patterns between May 23 and May 25, with thunderstorms and gusty winds likely in coastal and southern Odisha districts during afternoon and evening hours.

On May 26 and 27, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and wind speeds of 30-40 kmph are likely at isolated places in Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghapur, Cuttack, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Khurda and Nayagarh districts.

The weather agency has advised people to take precautions against heat-related illnesses and remain alert during thunderstorm activity, particularly in vulnerable districts.