Bhubaneswar: Odisha continued to reel under an intense spell of hot and humid weather with the IMD predicting a rise in maximum temperatures and warning of heatwave conditions in several districts over the next three days.The special relief commissioner has issued a statewide advisory urging citizens and administrative departments to remain alert as temperatures soar across the state and humid conditions threaten the health of vulnerable populations.On Sunday, Bhubaneswar sizzled at 40.7°C, around 3.2 degrees above normal, the highest of the current season. Sambalpur recorded the highest temperature in the state at 43.2 degrees Celsius on Sunday and day temperature in 19 places across the state crossed 40°C.According to the IMD’s latest bulletin, dry weather prevailed across most parts of Odisha, with only isolated light rainfall reported in Keonjhar district. The maximum temperature was recorded to be 4 degrees above normal in several parts of north coastal Odisha, while interior regions witnessed a rise of 2–3°C, IMD said.Markets across cities wore a deserted look from 9am onwards as people preferred to stay indoors due to the heat. “The discomfort is so unbearable that it is impossible to stay indoors without an air conditioner and stepping outside is just unthinkable. If not an emergency, it is not advisable to go out in daytime,” Manasi Rath, a resident of Saheed Nagar, said.The IMD has predicted that hot and humid conditions are likely to affect multiple districts, including Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Ganjam and Gajapati, till May 13. This will be followed by a further intensification of heatwave conditions in Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Sundargarh, Balangir, Boudh and Khurda, among others, between May 13 and May 16. The forecast suggests that day temperatures in isolated pockets are likely to cross 40°C, especially in places like Bhubaneswar, Dhenkanal, Nuapada and Bargarh.The yellow warning, which is issued as a cautionary alert, urges residents in the affected regions to be aware of the potential health risks posed by high temperatures and humidity. Vulnerable groups — such as the elderly, children and people with chronic illnesses — are especially at risk of heat-related complications. The state govt has emphasised the need for precautionary measures to protect public health and safety.