Sonepur records 46.5 degree celsius in Odisha

Scorching heat wave swept most parts of Odisha on Wednesday, specially the western region where Titlagarh turned out to be the hottest place in the state recording 46.5 degree Celsius.

The mercury crossed 44 degree Celsius mark in at least 10 places and remained above 40 degree Celsius in over 17 places of the state even as India Meteorological Department (IMD)predicted harsher days ahead.

While Titlagarh became the hottest place in the state, nearby Sonepur recorded a maximum temperature of 46.2 degree Celsius followed by 45.6 degree Celsius in Hirakud, 45.5 degree Celsius in Bolangir and



45.3 degree Celsius in Jharsuguda, IMD said in a bulletin.

The mercury touched 44.7 degree Celsius in the coal belt of Angul, while the maximum temperature at Sambalpur was 44.6 degrees Celsius.

Bhubaneswar recorded a maximum temperature of 38.9 degree as against 39.9 degree Celsius recorded on Tuesday, while it was 38 degree in Cuttack as the coastal belt experienced marginal respite from the heat.

However, IMD officials said though there was a slight dip in temperature, the model indicator suggests a gradual rise in temperature in interior and coastal Odisha from today.