A severe cold wave continues to tighten its grip across Odisha, with southern and western districts bearing the brunt of plunging temperatures and persistent dense fog. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said there will be no significant change in minimum temperatures across the state till the New Year, while issuing a five-day warning for dense fog in several districts.
According to the IMD, cold wave conditions are prevailing over large parts of Odisha, with more than ten cities recording minimum temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius. Southern and western Odisha remain the worst affected, as biting cold nights combined with thick fog have intensified winter discomfort and disrupted daily life.
Kandhamal Emerges As Cold Wave Epicentre
Latest weather data shows Kandhamal district emerging as the epicentre of the cold wave. G. Udayagiri recorded the lowest minimum temperature in the state at 3.5 degrees Celsius, making it the coldest place in Odisha during the last 24 hours. Hill town Daringbadi, often referred to as the “Kashmir of Odisha,” and Phulbani also experienced severe cold, with night temperatures hovering around 6 degrees Celsius.
Other interior and western districts have also reported sharp drops in mercury levels, prompting people to remain indoors during early morning and late evening hours. The cold conditions have particularly affected elderly residents, children, and those dependent on early-morning outdoor work.
Dense Fog Disrupts Visibility, Triggers Warning
Alongside the cold wave, dense fog has emerged as a major concern. The IMD has issued warnings stating that dense fog is likely to occur during early morning hours in districts such as Sundargarh, Sambalpur, Angul, Dhenkanal, Kalahandi, Kandhamal and Nayagarh.
Similar foggy conditions are expected intermittently in several other districts over the next five days. Reports indicate that dense fog has already begun affecting road and highway movement, with sharply reduced visibility posing risks to commuters and transport operators, especially during pre-dawn hours.
No Immediate Relief In Sight
IMD officials said current meteorological conditions suggest no immediate respite from the cold wave. Minimum temperatures are expected to remain largely unchanged till December 31, keeping winter conditions intact across most parts of the state.
However, weather experts indicated that a marginal improvement may set in after the New Year. From January 1 onwards, night temperatures may rise by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius, depending on changes in wind patterns and atmospheric circulation. Until then, residents have been advised to take precautions against cold-related health issues and exercise caution while travelling during foggy mornings.
