Bhubaneswar, May 22 -- Relentless heatwave conditions continued to grip Odisha on Friday, leaving people across the state reeling under intense heat and oppressive humidity. From western Odisha to the coastal belt, residents struggled to cope with the scorching weather and unbearable sultriness.

Sambalpur emerged as the hottest place in the state with the temperature crossing 41 degrees Celsius by 11.30 am. The city recorded 41.2 degrees Celsius, followed by Jharsuguda at 40.6 degrees and Hirakud at 39.6 degrees Celsius. In Bhubaneswar, the temperature stood at 35 degrees Celsius, while humidity levels touched 68 per cent, making outdoor conditions highly uncomfortable.

More than the soaring temperature, it was the excessive humidity th...