Residents of Odisha’s capital, Bhubaneswar, woke up to considerable discomfort on Friday morning as high humidity combined with rising temperatures pushed the heat index to extreme levels, making conditions feel significantly hotter than the actual temperature.
At 5:30 AM, Bhubaneswar recorded a temperature of 31.4°C with relative humidity at 84%. This resulted in a heat index—the “feels-like” temperature calculated using the NOAA formula—reaching a scorching 44°C, according to senior meteorologist Umasankar Das.
This early-morning discomfort follows a trend observed over the past four days. On May 21, the city recorded 29.6°C with 90% humidity, resulting in a heat index of 39°C. Similar elevated “feels-like” temperatures around 40°C were noted on May 20 and 19, with humidity consistently above 86%. High moisture levels in the air severely hinder the body’s natural cooling through sweat evaporation, amplifying the oppressive sensation.
The situation peaked on Thursday, when Bhubaneswar recorded the season’s highest maximum temperature of 42.2°C, with the real-feel temperature soaring to 52°C in the mid-afternoon amid 76% humidity (recorded around 8:30 AM). Hot winds and direct sunlight emptied the streets, forcing people indoors. An evening thundershower provided welcome relief, lowering temperatures and reducing humidity to around 60% by 5:30 PM.
Statewide, at least 25 locations crossed 40°C on Thursday. The intense heat impacted daily life across Odisha, with residents reporting burning sensations even while riding motorcycles or seeking shade.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has attributed these conditions to maximum temperatures running at least 3°C above normal, coupled with above-average relative humidity. While many parts of the state experienced highs above 40°C, similar trends may persist until May 25. Heatwave to severe heatwave conditions may prevail in Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Balangir, and Nayagarh districts on Friday, according to the regional met office.
Similarly, heatwave conditions may also affect Jajpur, Kendrapada, Bargarh, Angul, Sonepur, Boudh, and Sundergarh districts. A severe heatwave is defined as temperatures exceeding 6.5°C above normal, while a heatwave is classified as 4.5°C to 6.4°C above normal. Experts have advised residents to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities during peak hours, and be vigilant for symptoms of heat-related illnesses.
