BHUBANESWAR: Heat wave condition is likely to continue in the State for a week or more. At least 17 towns and cities of the State recorded more than 40 degree Celsius with Sundargarh in Western Odisha registering maximum temperature of 45 degree C.
Temperature in coastal districts has been witnessing an increasing trend due to absence of sea breeze and westerly wind blowing through Central India towards Odisha coast, Director, India Meteorological Department (IMD), Bhubaneswar, Sarat Chandra Sahu said.
Sahu said the trend will continue for one week or more as probability of occurrence of thundersquall is very less.
However, he appealed to the people not to panic over the rising temperature as Odisha had experienced such heat in the past with mercury level crossing 45 degree Celsius twice.
Jharsuguda and Sambalpur had recorded 46.1 and 46 degree celsius in April, 2010.
Besides, Titlagarh had also recorded 45.5 degree Celsius in April, 2010 while the highest temperature recorded in Bhubaneswar in April during the year was 43.6 degree Celsius.
Sahu said temperature in interior districts has remained normal or around two degrees above normal which is between 39 degree C and 41 degree C.
The trend would continue for a week or more. On fatality due to heat wave, Sahu said this can be reduced by taking precautionary measures circulated by the State Government.
Cuttack Measures to minimise effect
Cuttack: Alarmed over unusual rise in mercury level, the district administration has come out with comprehensive measures to tackle the situation at a preparedness meeting here. The district administration has asked the officials concerned to disseminate heat wave warnings, reschedule the timings of educational institutions and working hours for labourers and plying of buses. Collector Nirmal Chandra Mishra reviewed the medical arrangements, drinking water supply management and veterinary measures. All Block Development Officers (BDOs) of the district have also been alerted. They have been directed to conduct awareness among people regarding sunstroke, he said.