Bhubaneswar, April 23 -- Bhubaneswar is reeling under intense heat as the mercury soared to a scorching 42 Degrees Celsius on Thursday, making it one of the hottest days of the season so far. By around 1.30 PM, the temperature had already touched the 42degC mark, according to official readings.

Airport area in the city recorded this peak temperature, indicating the severity of ongoing heatwave conditions in the Capital City.

This marks the second consecutive day when the maximum (day) temperature in the State Capital has crossed the 40degC threshold. Just a day earlier, the city had recorded 41degC, signalling a rising trend in daytime temperatures.

The continuous spike has raised serious concerns among residents and health officials a...