The sunstroke death toll in Odisha today touched 40 with the mercury hovering near 40 degree Celsius, official sources said.
There was a marginal rise in temperature in state capital of Bhubaneswar, which recorded 39.2 degree C against yesterday's 38.9 deg C.
Sambalpur in western Odisha was the hottest place in the state with 41.4 deg C followed by 40.7 in Hirakud and 40.5 in Jharsuguda.
The Indian Meteorological Department predicted rain or thundershowers at a few places in the next 24 hours.
The Special Relief Commissioner's (SRC) office today confirmed the death of 40 people due to sunstroke in the state. However, it is being claimed that a total 159 deaths have taken place due to heat related incidents.
