At 46.2°C, This Town Becomes India’s Hottest; Heatwave Shuts Schools, Triggers Emergency Measures in the State
Jharsuguda Sizzles At 46.2°C, Becomes Hottest Place In India; Odisha Issues Heatwave Alerts
April 23, 2025: Jharsuguda in western Odisha recorded a scorching 46.2°C on Tuesday, making it the hottest place in India, as confirmed by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The temperature marked an all-time April high for the industrial town, breaking its previous record of 46.1°C set on April 19, 2010.
Fifteen locations across Odisha reported maximum temperatures of 40°C or higher, prompting the IMD to issue heat wave warnings for several districts. Following Jharsuguda, Hirakud recorded 44.7°C, with Sambalpur, Boudh, Titlagarh, Balangir, Angul, Nuapada, Talcher, and Paralakhemundi also reeling under intense heat.
Chandrapur and Brahmapuri in Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region followed closely with 45.8°C and 45.2°C, respectively.
Senior meteorologist Umashankar Dash confirmed the record-breaking heat in Jharsuguda via a post on X (formerly Twitter). The IMD has issued an orange alert for Boudh, Bolangir, Sundargarh, and Sambalpur, with a yellow warning in place for Nuapada, Bargarh, Kalahandi, and Sonepur. Hot and humid conditions are expected to persist in coastal districts including Cuttack, Puri, Bhadrak, and Ganjam.
Although Bhubaneswar and Cuttack saw relatively milder temperatures at 36.7°C and 36.8°C, the humidity in the capital stood at a stifling 78%, making conditions sultry and uncomfortable.
With the IMD forecasting continued severe heat wave conditions in Jharsuguda until April 24, the district administration has declared the closure of all schools—including residential institutions—from April 23 to April 25. Anganwadi centres will remain shut, with rations to be delivered to children’s homes.
District officials have also enforced heat safety measures, including operational heat stroke wards in PHCs and restrictions on industrial work during peak afternoon hours. Workers indoors are to be given hydration breaks every hour, and awareness drives on the importance of water intake have been launched.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari confirmed that local authorities have full discretion to implement school closures based on ground realities. Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister KV Singh Deo assured that there will be no power cuts during peak summer hours.
The Odisha government is closely monitoring the situation as extreme heat conditions persist across the state.
