On Tuesday, Bhubaneswar recorded a minimum temperature of 11.4 degrees Celsius, marking a significant fall of 7.2 degrees compared to the average of the past three days. Just a day earlier, the city had registered a relatively milder 15.4 degrees Celsius, but the sudden plunge has intensified winter discomfort, particularly during early morning and night hours.
Severe cold conditions continue to prevail across Odisha, with the chill intensifying further and affecting both interior and coastal regions of the state. The capital city Bhubaneswar witnessed a sharp drop in minimum temperature, leaving residents grappling with biting cold weather.
Interior districts continue to bear the brunt of the cold wave. Jharsuguda emerged as the coldest place in Odisha, recording a minimum temperature of 7.4 degrees Celsius. Keonjhar followed closely at 9.2 degrees, while Balasore recorded 11.2 degrees Celsius. Coastal locations such as Chandbali and Paradeep also experienced a notable dip, with temperatures settling at 12.4 degrees Celsius each.
According to the Meteorological Centre, the persistent inflow of dry and cold northerly winds is driving the sharp fall in temperatures across the state. Weather officials have warned that the cold wave is likely to intensify further over the next three days. Night temperatures are expected to drop by another 1 to 1.5 degrees Celsius in several districts, aggravating cold conditions in hilly, interior and coastal areas alike.
In addition to the cold wave, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast the likelihood of dense fog at multiple locations across Odisha during the early morning hours. Reduced visibility due to fog could disrupt road and rail movement, prompting authorities to advise commuters to exercise caution while travelling.
Meteorologists have urged residents, especially the elderly, children and those with health conditions, to take adequate precautions against the cold. As winter conditions deepen, Odisha is expected to continue experiencing chilly nights and foggy mornings in the days ahead.
