Bhubaneswar, June 13: As many as 18 stations in Odisha recorded maximum temperature of 40 degree Celsius and above on Thursday. Besides, nine stations in the state recorded maximum temperature of more than 42 degree Celsius.

While Sonepur was the hottest place with maximum temperature of 43.3 degree Celsius, Balangir was the second hottest place with maximum temperature of 42.8 degree Celsius.

The other places which recorded maximum temperature of 40 degree Celsius and more included Baripada, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Sundargarh, Hirakud, Boudh, Bargarh and Jajpur.

“There will be no large change in maximum temperature (day temperature) during next 2 days and gradual decrease thereafter by 3-4 degree Celsius over the districts of Odisha. Maximum temperature is likely to be above normal by 3-4 degree Celsius at a few places over the districts of Odisha during next 2 days,” said an official.