Severe Heatwave Alert Issued for 16 Odisha Districts, Scattered Rain Possible in Some Areas.

Bhubaneswar: As the monsoon makes its way to Kerala, several regions in Odisha are experiencing extreme heat with temperatures soaring. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Bhubaneswar has forecasted persistent heatwave conditions in the interior and western districts of Odisha until June 10.On Friday, an orange alert was issued for severe heatwave conditions in six districts: Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Sonpur, Boudh, Kandhamal, and Bolangir. Additionally, a yellow warning for heatwave was issued for ten districts: Sundargarh, Deogarh, Keonjhar, Khurda, Ganjam, Gajapati, Bargarh, Nuapada, Kalahandi, and Malkangiri.With daytime temperatures expected to exceed 40°C in many locations on Friday, the IMD has advised vulnerable populations such as the elderly, sick, children, and pregnant women to avoid outdoor activities between 11 am and 4 pm.Although some areas may experience scattered rain on Friday, the overall weather is predicted to remain hot and humid with warm nights. According to CEC Director Sarat Chandra Sahu, the onset of the monsoon in Odisha is not expected before June 10. The continuation of hot winds from the northwest is anticipated for at least another week. Increased moisture over the coastal plains will cause discomfort, though there is a possibility of norwester (Kalbaisakhi) in Bhubaneswar and surrounding areas within the next couple of days.