Women try to shield themselves from the heat in Bhubaneswar on Friday.

Seven places in the state today recorded a maximum temperature of more than 40°C, indicating a tough summer ahead. The state capital was also not far behind with a maximum temperature of 39.3°C, three degrees more than the normal at this time. Balangir was the hottest place in the state with a temperature of 41.5 °C followed by Angul, which recorded a maximum temperature of 41.1°C. 

The other places which recorded temperatures of more than 40°C were Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Talcher, Bhawanipatna and Titlagarh. Weathermen predicted the heat wave condition to prevail over some parts of the state for another 48 hours. “Rain, accompanied with thunder squall is likely to take place from Monday and bring down the temperature. The day temperature is likely to increase from March 30,” said a Met official.  

Picture by Ashwinee Pati