As a brutal heatwave grips Odisha, life has become a struggle against scorching winds and rising mercury. Responding to the crisis, the Balangir District Collector has ordered the closure of all schools, colleges, Anganwadi centers, and technical institutions from April 18 to 21.
This proactive measure follows School and Mass Education Minister Nityanand Gond’s directive that local administrations must decide on summer vacations based on regional intensity. With temperatures expected to climb another 2-3°C in the next 24 hours, the situation remains critical.
The Forecast:
Coastal Districts: (Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri) Predicted between 36°C to 40°C.
Inland & Western Odisha: (Titilagarh, Sambalpur, Balangir) Expected to hit 40°C to 44°C, with some pockets potentially touching 45°C.
While the heat is expected to stabilize after 24 hours, it will remain at peak levels for the coming week. The administration continues to monitor the situation to determine if early summer vacations are necessary state-wide.