Odisha heat wave: IMD red alert for Sambalpur, Balangir, Boudh as temps hit 45.8°C
Synopsis
Odisha is in the grip of one of its fiercest heat spells this season — six locations have crossed 45°C, Titlagarh hit 45.8°C, and the IMD has slapped red alerts on three western districts. With no meaningful relief before 29 May, the heat wave's reach across both inland and coastal districts makes this a state-wide public health concern.
Key Takeaways
IMD issued a Red Alert for Sambalpur , Balangir , and Boudh districts on 25 May for severe heat wave and warm night conditions over the next three days.
Titlagarh recorded the state's highest temperature at 45.8 degrees Celsius ; six locations crossed 45°C in 24 hours.
18 places across Odisha reported temperatures of 41°C or above , indicating widespread heat wave conditions.
Orange Alerts are active for Sonepur and Kalahandi ; a Yellow Alert covers Kandhamal .
Heat wave conditions are expected to persist until 29 May ; a drop of 2–4°C is forecast after four days.
Hot and humid conditions will also affect coastal districts including Ganjam , Gajapati , Koraput , and Malkangiri .
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday, 25 May issued a red alert for severe heat wave and warm night conditions across Sambalpur, Balangir, and Boudh districts of Odisha for the next three days, as temperatures surged past 45 degrees Celsius in multiple parts of the state. The warning underscores one of the most intense heat spells to grip western Odisha this summer season.
Record Temperatures Across the State
Titlagarh in Balangir district recorded the highest maximum temperature in the state at 45.8 degrees Celsius in the last 24 hours. Overall, six places across Odisha logged temperatures of 45 degrees Celsius or above, while 18 locations reported readings of 41 degrees Celsius or more, indicating widespread and persistent heat wave conditions.
On Monday, Sambalpur recorded a maximum of 44 degrees Celsius by 2:30 pm IST. Hirakud registered 42 degrees Celsius, while the state capital Bhubaneswar stood at 37.6 degrees Celsius at the same hour.
Alert Levels District by District
IMD Director (Bhubaneswar) Manorama Mohanty confirmed that a Red Alert — the highest severity level — has been issued for Sambalpur, Balangir, and Boudh districts for the next three days. An Orange Alert is in force for Sonepur and Kalahandi districts, and a Yellow Alert remains active for Kandhamal.
Looking ahead to 28 May, the IMD has issued an Orange Alert for Sambalpur, Bargarh, and Balangir, with Yellow Alerts covering Sonepur, Nuapada, Jharsuguda, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, and Boudh.
Coastal Districts Under Humid Heat Stress
Beyond western Odisha, hot and humid conditions are very likely to prevail across coastal Odisha districts as well as Koraput, Malkangiri, Gajapati, Rayagada, and Ganjam over the next three days, according to Mohanty. The combination of high temperatures and elevated humidity significantly raises the risk of heat stress for residents and outdoor workers in these zones.
When Relief Is Expected
Heat wave conditions are expected to persist across several western Odisha districts — including Sambalpur, Balangir, Nuapada, Sonepur, and Boudh — until at least 29 May. However, the IMD has forecast a gradual fall in maximum temperatures by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius after the next four days, offering some relief to the affected population.
Thunderstorm activity accompanied by lightning and gusty winds is also forecast at isolated places in Mayurbhanj and several coastal Odisha districts in the coming days, which may provide localised respite from the heat.
Point of View
Balangir, Boudh — appear with grim regularity each May, yet public health infrastructure in these areas remains stretched. The extension of heat stress to coastal districts, where humidity compounds the danger, widens the at-risk population well beyond what the alert map suggests. A 2–4°C fall in four days is marginal relief when daily temperatures are hovering near the physiological danger threshold for outdoor workers and the elderly.
NationPress
11 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Odisha districts are under IMD red alert for heat wave?
The IMD has issued a Red Alert for Sambalpur, Balangir, and Boudh districts for severe heat wave and warm night conditions, valid for three days from 25 May. Orange Alerts cover Sonepur and Kalahandi, while Kandhamal is under a Yellow Alert.
What is the highest temperature recorded in Odisha during this heat wave?
Titlagarh in Balangir district recorded the highest maximum temperature at 45.8 degrees Celsius in the 24 hours preceding 25 May. Six locations in the state logged 45°C or above during the same period.
How long will the heat wave last in Odisha?
According to IMD Director Manorama Mohanty, heat wave conditions are expected to continue in western Odisha districts including Sambalpur, Balangir, Nuapada, Sonepur, and Boudh until at least 29 May. A gradual temperature drop of 2 to 4 degrees Celsius is forecast after four days.
Are coastal Odisha districts also affected?
Yes. The IMD has forecast hot and humid conditions across coastal Odisha as well as Koraput, Malkangiri, Gajapati, Rayagada, and Ganjam over the next three days. Humidity in coastal areas significantly raises heat stress risk even at lower temperatures.
Is there any thunderstorm forecast for Odisha amid the heat wave?
The IMD has forecast thunderstorm activity with lightning and gusty winds at isolated places in Mayurbhanj and several coastal Odisha districts over the coming days. These localised storms may provide temporary relief from the heat in affected areas.
