Bhubaneswar, May 20 (IANS): There would be no respite for Odisha citizens reeling under the scorching summer, with the mercury level reaching 44 degrees Celsius in some places of the state, as the intense heat conditions are likely to prevail for a week, the weather office said.

Indian Metereological Department's (IMD) Bhubaneswar office director Sarat Chandra Sahu on Wednesday said the conditions would continue for a week in the state.

"The high temperatures are due to dry and hot winds coming in from the north-western parts of India towards the Odisha coast and clear skies here," said Sahu.

A cyclonic circulation over east-central Bay of Bengal and subsequent formation of low pressure there has also resulted in the continuation of flow of dry and hot north-westerly winds, he said.

Sahu said temperatures ranging between 42-44 degrees Celsius may prevail in most parts of Odisha under the influence of the cyclonic circulation.

A total of 12 cities recorded temperature above 40 degrees Celsius in the state on Wednesday while Titlagarh and Hirakud touched 44 degrees Celsius, forcing the people to remain in their houses to get a respite from the heat.

Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Bolangir and Sonepur recorded above 43 degrees Celsius.