In a major respite from the scorching heat, the mercury dropped below 40 degree Celsius in Odisha today barring the western city of Sambalpur which remained the hottest at 40.6 degree, even as death toll due to sunstroke stood at 37 in the state.
While several districts including Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Kandhamal and Angul experienced rainfall of varied volumes since yesterday, the temperature fell across the state.
The state capital of Bhubaneswar recorded 38.9 degree Celsius compared to 39.9 degree recorded yesterday, the MeT office here said.
The relative humidity in the capital city also dropped to 69 per cent from 87 recorded yesterday.
The India Meteorological Department predicted light rain or thundershowers at a few places in next 24 hours. It also predicted rain or thundershower in Bhubaneswar and neighbourhood.
Strong and gusty surface wind with speed up to 40-45 kmph may prevail along and off Odisha coast, it said.
The Special Relief Commissioner’s (SRC) office has so far confirmed the death of 37 people due to sunstroke in the state.
Prasanta Patnaik