BHUBANESWAR: The heat wave sweeping across the State is unlikely to relent for another week as factors favouring the blistering conditions may not abate. Going by the weather outlook, the conditions may get worse.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the day temperature will remain almost constant till April 11-12 though there is possibility of a drop of a degree or two. From April 14, there are chances of mercury making a jump.
As 14 stations reported 40 degree Celsius temperature on Friday, unbearable conditions gripped coastal districts. Bhubaneswar saw a two degree fall in temperature but the real feel was that of 46 degree Celsius.
For the first time, the IMD issued heat index for Bhubaneswar, Balasore and Puri and in each centre, there was caution for extremely uncomfortable condition which could lead to cramps and exhaustion. Director of IMD, Odisha Sarat Chandra Sahu said the Western Disturbance over northern India may go away in a couple of days which may lead to further heating. “Though onset of sea breeze is expected around this period, it has not happened and no supporting conditions are forecast,” he said. This could lead to a rise in day temperature by at least two degrees from April 14.
The agro-met advisory issued by Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) also echoed similar views. It said the present heat wave conditions may continue at least up to April 13 and forecast prevalence of Loo. Under its impact, the report said, poultry production may be hampered and mortality may increase. In OUAT farms, such trends have been reported, it said. Milk production may drop due to reduced feed intake while summer crops will have thermal shock as current temperature levels are well above the optimal. Summer rice crops, which are now in post flowering stage, could see a decreased yield and a similar prediction was made for pulses too.
According to unconfirmed reports, so far, 10 persons have died due to sunstroke in the State.
Cuttack: With mercury rising above 40 degree Celsius in most parts of the State, authorities of SCB Medical College and Hospital here have put in place all necessary arrangements for treatment of sunstroke patients. Special wards have been arranged in Casualty, Medicine and Pediatric departments to treat heatstroke patients. In Medicine department, 12 beds have been arranged in the newly constructed medicine ward for treatment of heatstroke patients, said Emergency Officer, SCB Dr Bhubananada Maharana. Two special beds have also been put up in Pediatric department for heatstroke cases among children, he said. The Casualty department, which was earlier able to treat only 10 sunstroke patients, is now fully equipped to provide treatment to 30 patients, Maharana said. Necessary medicines, to be provided to patients free of cost, have also been supplied to all the three special wards. Sufficient stock of ice has been kept ready, Maharana said and added that no heatstroke patient has been admitted in the hospital so far.