Bhubaneswar: The searing heat intensified in Odisha today with Balangir being the hottest place at 44 degree celsius in the state, where two sunstroke deaths have so far been reported.
The mercury breached the 40-degree mark in at least 10 places in the state.
Titlagarh recorded a maximum temperature of 43.6 degree celsius, followed by 43 degree celsius in Bhawanipatna and 42.4 degree celsius in Malkangiri, the MeT office here said adding that western Odisha districts sizzled in the intense heat.
Sonepur recorded 40.8 degree celsius, while the maximum temperature was 40.5 degree celsius in Hirakud, 40.2 degree celsius in Phulbani, 40 degree celsius at Sundargarh and Talcher, it said.
The maximum temperature in Bhubaneswar was 35.2 degree celsius, while it was 35 degrees celsius in neighbouring Cuttack city.
Relief is, however, likely in some areas as the weatherman predicted rain or thundershower coupled with gusty wind in some places in northern part of the state.
Two sunstroke deaths have so far been reported in the state this summer – one from Bargarh and another from Angul district, according to the office of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC).
—PTI