At 44.6 Degrees Celsius, Odisha’s Jharsuguda Becomes Hottest Place In India

Odisha continued to experience intense heatwave conditions, with Jharsuguda recording a scorching 44.6 degrees Celsius and emerging as the hottest place in India , according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) .

The industrial town has consistently featured among the highest temperature locations in the country during the ongoing pre-monsoon heat spell, with several weather bulletins confirming extreme daytime temperatures across western and interior Odisha.

Along with Jharsuguda, at least 25 locations in the state recorded temperatures at or above 40 degrees Celsius. The worst-affected areas included Talcher (43.5°C) , Sambalpur (43.3°C) , Hirakud (43.2°C), and Angul (43.1°C), reflecting widespread heatwave conditions.

Other districts such as Titlagarh, Bolangir, Sonepur, Sundargarh, Nuapada, Bhawanipatna, Nayagarh, and Rourkela also remained above 41 degrees Celsius, indicating sustained heat stress across large parts of the state.

Coastal and urban regions were also impacted, with Bhubaneswar recording 41.2°C , marking its first major breach of the 40-degree mark this season. Nearby areas like Cuttack also remained close to the threshold.

In updated IMD assessments and temperature compilations reported by multiple agencies, it was noted that a large majority of the top 20 hottest recorded locations during the peak heat period were from India , with only a minimal number from outside the country. Meteorological experts attribute this to the intensity of the ongoing pre-monsoon heatwave affecting large parts of the subcontinent.

The IMD has warned that heatwave conditions are expected to persist in districts including Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, and Bolangir, with hot and humid weather likely across several other regions. No significant relief is expected in the immediate days ahead, although a marginal drop of 2–3°C may follow later.

Authorities have intensified precautionary measures in response to the extreme weather. Bhadrak district has shifted school timings to morning hours between 6.30 am and 9 am , while Sonepur has extended holidays for educational institutions. In Dhenkanal, schools from Sishu Vatika to Class 12 have been closed until further notice .

Officials continue to urge residents to avoid outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours, remain hydrated, and follow heatwave advisories as Odisha remains under sustained severe heatwave conditions .