Odisha heatwave 2025: IMD issues orange alert, 21 locations cross 40°C
Synopsis
With Jharsuguda hitting 46°C and 21 locations crossing 40°C in a single day, Odisha is deep in a severe heatwave cycle. The IMD's orange alerts now cover over a dozen districts, and with the monsoon weeks away, there is no immediate relief in sight for the state's most vulnerable residents.
Key Takeaways
The IMD has warned of continued heatwave, warm night, and hot-humid conditions across Odisha for the next couple of days as of 20 May 2025 .
Jharsuguda recorded the state's highest temperature at 46°C on Wednesday; Sambalpur reached 45.3°C and Hirakud hit 45°C .
21 locations across Odisha crossed 40 degrees Celsius in the past 24 hours.
Orange warnings issued for Sambalpur, Balangir, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Jharsuguda, Angul, Sonepur, Boudh, and Nayagarh for Thursday.
IMD has advised avoiding outdoor exposure between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and flagged high health risk for infants, elderly, and those with chronic diseases .
The India Meteorological Department (IMD), Bhubaneswar, has warned that heatwave conditions, warm nights, and hot, humid weather are likely to persist across several districts of Odisha over the next couple of days, with 21 locations recording temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius in the past 24 hours as of 20 May.
Record Temperatures Across the State
Jharsuguda recorded the highest maximum temperature in Odisha on Wednesday at a scorching 46 degrees Celsius, according to IMD data. Sambalpur followed closely at 45.3 degrees Celsius, while Hirakud registered 45 degrees Celsius on the same day. Several other locations across the state also breached the 40-degree mark.
Orange Alerts Issued for Multiple Districts
The IMD has issued an orange warning for Thursday, flagging the likelihood of heatwave to severe heatwave conditions at one or two places in Sambalpur and Balangir districts. Orange alerts have also been extended to isolated places in Bhadrak, Jajpur, Jharsuguda, Angul, Sonepur, Boudh, and Nayagarh districts.
Additionally, warm night conditions are very likely at isolated places in Sambalpur and Balangir, while hot and humid conditions are forecast for parts of Balasore, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Sundargarh, Bargarh, Nuapada, Kalahandi, Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, and Khurda districts.
What the IMD Director Said
Manorama Mohanty, Director of the Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre, confirmed the severity of the prevailing weather situation, noting that the elevated temperatures and oppressive conditions are expected to continue across many districts for the next couple of days. Isolated thunderstorm activity is also possible in one or two districts, offering limited relief.
Health Advisory and Precautions
The IMD has urged residents to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, particularly during peak hours between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. IST. Authorities have advised people to remain indoors as much as possible and take necessary steps to prevent heat-related illnesses. The agency has specifically flagged high health concerns for vulnerable groups, including infants, elderly persons, and people with chronic diseases.
This comes amid a broader pattern of intensifying pre-monsoon heat across eastern India, with Odisha consistently ranking among the most heat-stressed states during May. With the monsoon onset still weeks away for most of the state, conditions are unlikely to ease significantly in the near term.
Point of View
But the real gap is last-mile outreach to rural and semi-urban populations in districts like Jharsuguda and Sambalpur, where agricultural labour cannot simply 'stay indoors.' With pre-monsoon temperatures now routinely breaching 45°C, the conversation needs to shift from reactive warnings to proactive heat action plans at the district level — something most Odisha districts still lack in enforceable form.
NationPress
5 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which district recorded the highest temperature in Odisha on 20 May 2025?
Jharsuguda recorded the highest maximum temperature in Odisha at 46 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, 20 May 2025, according to IMD data. Sambalpur and Hirakud followed at 45.3°C and 45°C respectively.
What does an IMD orange alert mean for heatwave conditions?
An IMD orange alert signals that heatwave to severe heatwave conditions are likely and that residents should be prepared to take action. It is the second-highest level of weather warning and advises vulnerable groups to stay indoors, especially between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Which Odisha districts are under orange heatwave alert?
The IMD has issued orange alerts for Sambalpur, Balangir, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Jharsuguda, Angul, Sonepur, Boudh, and Nayagarh districts for Thursday. Hot and humid conditions are additionally forecast for Balasore, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Puri, Khurda, and several other districts.
Who is most at risk during the Odisha heatwave?
The IMD has flagged high health concerns for infants, elderly persons, and people with chronic diseases. All residents are advised to avoid direct sunlight during peak hours and stay hydrated.
When is the heatwave in Odisha expected to ease?
The IMD has stated that heatwave conditions are expected to continue for the next couple of days across many districts. Isolated thunderstorm activity may provide limited relief in one or two areas, but a significant easing is unlikely before the monsoon advances into the region.
