Odisha continued to reel from heatwave and highly humid conditions, with Sambalpur recording the highest temperature in the state at 42 degrees Celsius on Monday. Further, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted no significant drop in temperature across Odisha for the next six to seven days.

Despite the intense heat, large parts of Odisha saw little to no rainfall, adding discomfort across regions. In contrast, Sundargarh and Bhadrak logged ‘large excess’ rainfall, but in isolated pockets.

Coastal Odisha: No Respite from Heat and Humidity

The IMD, on Tuesday, issued a ‘Hot and Humid Day’ warning for several coastal and adjoining interior districts, including Cuttack, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Puri, Khordha, Jagatsinghpur, Nayagarh, Ganjam, and Gajapati for May 20 and 21.

While no heatwave warning has been issued for western Odisha, residents in coastal regions are advised to remain hydrated and avoid outdoor activity during peak hours due to high humidity levels combined with elevated temperatures.

Capital Region Weather Snapshot

Bhubaneswar recorded a maximum of 38.4 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 27.4 degrees Celsius with 0 mm rainfall.

Cuttack logged a slightly cooler 36.8 degrees Celsius maximum and 24.5 degrees Celsius minimum, with 23.4 mm rainfall, among the highest in coastal Odisha.

Rainfall Outlook: Mostly Dry with Isolated Showers

IMD's rainfall forecast for the next 24 hours indicates dry conditions across northern, central, and coastal Odisha, including Sambalpur, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Khordha, and others.

Only a few southern and southwestern districts, such as Gajapati, Ganjam, Koraput, Rayagada, Kalahandi, and Malkangiri, may see isolated rainfall.