The month of March has brought severe heatwave conditions across India, with Odisha experiencing extreme temperatures. On Sunday, eight locations in the state recorded temperatures above 40°C, with Baudh being the hottest at 41.8°C. Jharsuguda followed closely at 41.6°C, while Sambalpur reached 41.2°C. Other towns such as Hirakud, Bolangir, and Titlagarh also reported maximum temperatures exceeding or nearing 41°C.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the heatwave will persist for the next five days, with no immediate relief expected. Sundargarh and Bhawanipatna recorded maximum temperatures of 40.3°C and 40.8°C, respectively, while Bhubaneswar and Cuttack experienced slightly lower temperatures of 37.1°C and 37.2°C.
In contrast, Delhi witnessed comparatively cooler weather on Sunday, with a maximum temperature of 32.4°C—0.2°C below the seasonal average. The IMD predicts strong winds in Delhi on Monday, with temperatures ranging between 33°C during the day and 17°C at night.
Amid rising temperatures in Odisha and other parts of India, authorities are urging residents to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.