Odisha is reeling under a severe heatwave as the mercury climbed above 40 degrees Celsius in nine places on Friday. Jharsuguda topped the list with a scorching 41.6 degrees, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).
Angul reported a high of 40.7 degrees, closely followed by Titlagarh and Bhadrak at 40.5 degrees Celsius. Other cities like Hirakud and Bolangir also witnessed temperatures surpassing 40 degrees, a challenging ordeal for residents.
Though Bhubaneswar and Cuttack experienced slightly milder temperatures of 38.7 and 38.4 degrees Celsius respectively, relief is on the horizon. IMD forecasts predict a gradual dip in temperatures over the weekend with thunderstorms in some southern districts.
(With inputs from agencies.)