Bhubaneswar, July 20 (IANS) Scanty monsoon rains and soaring mercury levels have led to sweltering heat in Orissa, with most places recording maximum temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius, an official said Tuesday.

The industrial town of Talcher in Angul district, nearly 170 km from here, and the district headquarters of Sambalpur, 317 km from here, recorded a maximum temperature of 37.8 degrees Celsius, the day's highest in the state, said an official of the Bhubaneswar meteorological centre.

Several other places that recorded high temperatures include Titlagarh and Chandbali at 36 degree Celsius, Jharsuguda 35, Hirakud 35.6 and Bhabanipatna 35.7 degrees Celsius, he said.

People living in these places had a tough time during the day and many stayed at home to get respite from the heat.

And there seems to be no relief in sight as the metrological centre here said the southwest monsoon has been subdued over the state and may get revived only after two days.