15 places in Odisha record temp above 40 degree Celsius

The mercury level crossed the 40 degree Celsius mark in 15 places in Odisha today, the Met office said.

Bhubaneswar was the hottest place in the state for the second consecutive day at 42.2 degree Celsius. Baripada also recorded 42.2 degree Celsius.

The other places which recorded temperature above 40 degree Celsius were: Talcher (42), Angul (41.9), Chandbali (41.7), Titlagarh (41.5), Balasore (41.2), Bolangir (40.8), Cuttack (40.6), Dhenkanal (40.5), Sambalpur and Sonepur (40.2) and Paradip, Jharsuguda and Hirakud (40.1) each, the Met office said.

"Severe heat wave condition will prevail for next 48-hours in parts of Odisha," said H R Biswas, the director of Meteorological Centre, Bhubaneswar.

The increase in temperature was because of the "weakened monsoon force", the MeT office said adding it is a temporary phenomenon as high level of temperature would help monsoon to revive.

People in many places including the state capital preferred to remain indoors during the day time due to scorching sun.

Though the south-west monsoon hit Odisha on June 8 and triggered rainfall in several areas, it has weakened subsequently bringing the heat spell.