Bhubaneswar, May 20: Heat wave conditions continue to take a toll on citizens in several parts of the state. 
Weathermen forecast the heat wave would persist for another seven days and the temperature in most parts of the state would hover between 42°C and 44°C.

"Heat wave like condition may prevail in Odisha for a week due to the flow of hot air from the north-westerly direction. A cyclonic circulation over east-central Bay of Bengal and subsequent formation of low pressure has resulted in the continuation of dry and hot wind," said Sarat Chandra Sahu, the director of the regional meteorological centre. 
Sahu also said intense humid conditions would prevail in the coastal and interior regions of the state since the sea breeze may not be strong enough during the period.
 

As many as 12 places across the state, including Bhubaneswar, registered temperatures of more than 40°C today. Hirakud and Titilagarh were the hottest with a maximum temperature of 44°C, followed by Sambalpur, which recorded a maximum temperature of 43.9°C. The mercury stood at 43.4°C in Sonepur and Jharsuguda, while residents of Bhubaneswar got sizzled at 40.7°C.

"The higher percentage of humidity has made life extremely difficult. The sun is blazing so hard that water stored in tanks are getting heated in the afternoon, making it even difficult to take a bath," said Subrat Sahoo, a resident of Rasulgarh.
Weathermen further forecast that rain or thundershower may occur at one or two places over coastal Odisha and adjoining districts such as Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Jajpur, Angul, Dhenkanal, Rayagada, Gajapati and Koraput in the next 24 hours.
"Thunder squall accompanied with gusty surface wind at 70 kilometres per hour may occur at one or two places in the state," said Sahu.

Doctors have advised people to drink sufficient water and cover their heads with wet clothes while venturing out. 
"People venturing outside should carry water with them. If anyone feels uncomfortable, the person needs to take rest under a shade and in emergency, he or she needs to be rushed to the nearest hospital," said Sanjay Singh, a city-based doctor.