BARIPADA: Despite hopes that thundershowers would help end a raging heat wave in tribal-dominated Mayurbhanj district, the rain brought only limited relief on Wednesday. The day temperature has been ranging from 40 to 42 degree Celsius during the last five days. Officials said the intense heat is likely to continue.
The sudden outburst of rain has brought down the mercury level to a huge respite for the residents reeling under sweltering heat. The strong wind risked the lives of people as trees were uprooted in many places. The wind blew heavy for some time.
The intense heat wave condition also swept across the district with day temperature rising over 40 degree Celsius in several blocks crippling normal life. Roads and market places in Rairangpur, Udala, Baripada, Karanjia, Jashipour and Tiring wore deserted look and people preferred to remain indoor.
Although the southwest monsoon arrived in Odisha on June 8 but it gradually weakened in the wake of a low pressure moving northwards and northeast wards. Sources said the weak monsoon is likely to prevail in the State for another week after which it will improve and bring some respite to the people gruelling under a severe heat wave condition. As per the official report, as many as four persons have suffered sunstroke in the last five days. On Tuesday, Baripada recorded highest temperature of 42 degree Celsius.