BHUBANESWAR: Odisha continued to sizzle as mercury soared past 40 degree Celsius across 14 towns on Wednesday even as India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a heat wave warning for next two days.
Balangir was the hottest place where the maximum day temperature read 43.3 degree Celsius while most parts of central and western Odisha pockets reeled under rising temperature. Titlagarh with 43 degree C was followed by Jharsuguda, Sonepur, Sambalpur, Hirakud and Bhawanipatna whereas in the central region, Angul, Talcher, Dhenkanal also recorded similar conditions.
However, coastal pockets were spared by the heat although humidity levels rose, making life uncomfortable.
The national weather forecaster said some parts of the State will face heat wave conditions for next 48 hours.
The blistering conditions will continue to prevail over western and central districts till April 2-3, the IMD said.
With Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh witnessing hot conditions, there is no likelihood of the conditions abating because of the north westerly wind. However, coastal districts will have some relief.
Director, IMD, Odisha SC Sahu said easter breeze will cool off the coastal towns which is why the maximum day temperature may reach till 36-37 degree C.
After April 3, Sahu said, the wind pattern may change to south westerly which may raise the mercury briefly but would cause moisture incursion and help in formation of norwesters.
On the day, the Capital City recorded 36.4 degree C while neighbouring Cuttack reported 37.2 degree C.