At least 12 towns of Odisha witnessed above 40 degrees C today. While Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and other places in coastal Odisha saw a dip in the Mercury level, Western Odisha continue to be under the grip of intense heatwave conditions. Bhubaneswar recorded 38.9 degrees C.
Other places that recorded above 40 degrees C, are – Bhawanipatna (46), Bolangir (45), Sonepur (44.8), Talcher (42.8), Sambalpur (44.6), Jharauguda (43), Angul (41.1), Malkangiri (42.6), Hirakud (43.5), Sundargarh (42), Phulbani (40.7).
The Odisha Government has admitted 11 sunstroke deaths in the state although the unofficial death toll has reached 100 till date. The heatwave conditions may prevail till May 31. There will be little respite from heat after May 31 and pre-monsoon showers are expected in the first week of June.