Bhubaneswar: Amid the prevailing heatwave, the day temperature in state capital Bhubaneswar breached the 40°C mark on Friday. The city recorded 40.2°C.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the mercury soared past 40°C at six places in the state. Jharsuguda was the hottest at 43°C, followed by Sambalpur (41.6°C), Hirakud (41.2°C), Rourkela (40.4°C), Chandbali (40.4°C) and Bhubaneswar (40.2°C). Cuttack recorded 38.4°C.
The heatwave under the influence of dry and warm northerly and north-westerly winds may continue to prevail for the next two days with yellow warning issued for one or two places in Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Sonepur, Boudh, Balangir and Kalahandi on Saturday (March 29) and Sunday (March 30).
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also forecast a rise in the day and night temperatures across the state by 2-3°C during the next 24 hours. Dry weather conditions are likely to prevail on March 31 and April 1, followed by light rain or thundershowers at one or two places in Koraput, Malkangiri and Rayagada on April 2 and April 3.