Odisha’s Boudh Records Highest Temperature In India At 42.5°C

The western Odisha district of Boudh has emerged as the hottest place in India, recording a scorching 42.5 degrees Celsius on Saturday, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). With Odisha reeling under an intense heat wave, at least 13 places across the state reported maximum temperatures of 40°C or above, triggering weather alerts.

According to IMD data, Boudh was followed closely by Sambalpur in Odisha and Chandrapur in Maharashtra in terms of high temperatures. Among the worst-hit locations, seven places in the state—Boudh, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Angul, Bolangir, Sonepur, and Titlagarh—recorded temperatures above 41°C. Other districts, including Sundergarh, Dhenkanal, Rourkela, Bhawanipatna, Hirakud, and Baripada, reported temperatures at or above 40°C.

In the capital region, Bhubaneswar recorded 38.6°C with a staggering 79% humidity, while neighboring Cuttack saw 37.8°C with humidity levels peaking at 86%.

IMD issues red, orange, and yellow warnings

The IMD has issued a red warning for severe heat wave conditions in isolated pockets of Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, and Kalahandi from March 15 to 16. A red warning is declared when temperatures deviate at least 6°C from normal, significantly increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses and heat strokes.

Additionally, an orange warning has been issued for areas including Angul, Sundergarh, Sonepur, and Boudh, indicating heat wave conditions. A yellow warning is in place for Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, Dhenkanal, Balangir, Gajapati, Cuttack, and Khurda, where temperatures are expected to remain uncomfortably high.

Heat wave expected to continue until March 18

The IMD has warned of persistently hot and humid conditions in Balasore, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, and Khurda over the next few days. By March 16, these conditions are also likely to impact Jajpur, Kendrapara, Puri, Nayagarh, Ganjam, and Gajapati. Additionally, warm night conditions are expected in Bolangir.

Authorities have urged residents to take precautions, avoid prolonged sun exposure, and stay hydrated, especially in areas under the red alert. While the heat wave is expected to continue until March 18, the IMD has predicted a slight relief from March 17 as temperatures may start to decline.

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