Census halted in Odisha during afternoon as temp hits 44.6°C:Delhi schools to ring bells reminding students to hydrate; UP sprays water on roads

Heatwave is ongoing in more than half of the country’s states. In many cities of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, the mercury is hovering between 40C to 45C. Jharsuguda in Odisha was the hottest city in the country on Wednesday with a temperature of 44.6C. In view of the heatwave, the Odisha government has halted the census process during afternoon hours. This means field staff will now not conduct census work between 11 AM to 3 PM. A decision has been taken to keep all schools closed in Boudh and Mayurbhanj districts till April 23. Meanwhile, a water bell system will be implemented in Delhi schools. A bell will be rung every 45 to 60 minutes to remind students to drink water and prevent dehydration. 5 Pictures of Heat from Across the Country No signs of relief from heatwave this week The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Wednesday that heatwave conditions may persist in most parts of north-west, central and eastern India for the next 4 to 5 days. Heatwave conditions are likely in some areas of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi on 24th and 25th April. Heatwave conditions will prevail in Uttar Pradesh on 25th April and in Madhya Pradesh between 26th April. Heatwave is expected in Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh from 24th to 27th April, while in Bengal, Bihar and Jharkhand on 23rd April. Nights may also remain warm in Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Odisha and Goa. Weather conditions for the next 2 days 24th April: 25 April: