Odisha reels under heat wave, Titlagarh sizzles at 46.5

Scorching heat wave swept most parts of Odisha today, specially the western region where Titlagarh turned out to be the hottest place in the state recording 46.5 degree Celsius.
The mercury crossed 44 degree Celsius mark in at least 10 places and remained above 40 degree C in over 17 places of the state even as IMD predicted harsher days ahead.
While Titlagarh became the hottest place in the state, nearby Sonepur recorded a maximum temperature of 46.2 degree Celsius followed by 45.6 degree Celsius in Hirakud, 45.5 degree Celsius in Bolangir and 45.3 degree Celsius in Jharsuguda, IMD said in a bulletin.

The mercury touched 44.7 degree Celsius in the coal belt of Angul, while the maximum temperature at Sambalpur was 44.6 degrees C.
Bhubaneswar recorded a maximum temperature of 38.9 degree as against 39.9 degree C recorded yesterday, while it was 38 degree in Cuttack as the coastal belt experienced marginal respite from the heat.
However, IMD officials said though there was a slight dip in temperature, the model indicator suggests a gradual rise in temperature in interior and coastal Odisha from tomorrow.