Odisha is in the grip of a severe heatwave, with Jharsuguda recording a scorching 46.2°C on April 22, 2025 — the highest temperature reported in the state since 1953. At least 15 other locations registered temperatures between 40°C and 43°C.

In response to the extreme heat, the Odisha government has declared summer vacation for all educational institutions starting Wednesday, April 23. An official statement said, “All government and private institutions, including Anganwadi centres, Sishu Vatikas, and schools up to Class XII, will remain closed across the state to safeguard the health and well-being of children.” The decision was taken following a review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

According to Dr. Manorama Mohanty, Director of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Bhubaneswar, daytime temperatures are likely to rise by 2°C to 4°C between April 22 and April 26. No major change is expected immediately afterward, though a gradual drop of 2°C to 4°C may occur thereafter. Heatwave conditions, accompanied by high humidity and warm nights, are expected to persist until at least April 26.

To mitigate the impact of the soaring temperatures, the state government has assured an uninterrupted power supply during peak summer hours. Deputy Chief Minister K.V. Singh Deo, who also oversees the Energy Department, confirmed that power distribution companies have been instructed to prevent daytime outages.

Addressing the growing drinking water crisis, the government plans to install 21,300 new tube wells across the state. Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Naik noted that while Odisha has around 5.2 lakh tube wells, approximately 36% are non-functional due to declining groundwater levels.

The government is also considering revising the academic calendar further, depending on how long the heatwave persists.