Summer has arrived in Odisha. Western districts, which saw a late chill just weeks ago, are now sweltering as temperatures breach the 42°C mark for the first time this year. Even the capital, Bhubaneswar, has officially entered the "heat list" after crossing 38°C.
According to regional meteorologist Manorma Mohanty, shifting weather patterns are driving this early spike.
With the RMC predicting further increases over the next 48 hours, the state is bracing for a summer that looks to be hotter than historical averages.
In response, the government has launched an aggressive Heatwave Action Plan covering all 30 districts and major urban hubs. Key initiatives include:
24/7 Control Rooms: Operational at state and district levels.
Infrastructure Safety: Measures to prevent power outages during peak heat.
Urban Readiness: Specialized cooling strategies for 31 major towns.
As the mercury climbs, officials urge citizens to stay hydrated and alert against heatstroke while the state remains on high alert.