Bhubaneswar recorded its coldest January day in the last seven years on Wednesday as the minimum temperature dropped sharply to 10.2 degrees Celsius, signaling an intense cold wave sweeping across Odisha. The sudden fall, nearly 5 degrees below the seasonal average, has brought biting winter conditions to the state capital and surrounding regions.
According to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the last time Bhubaneswar experienced a colder January night was on January 1, 2019, when the mercury had dipped to 9.5 degrees Celsius. The current cold spell has disrupted daily routines, with early morning commuters and outdoor workers bearing the brunt of the unusually low temperatures.
The chill was not limited to Bhubaneswar alone. At least 23 locations across Odisha, including Cuttack, reported minimum temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius, indicating the widespread nature of the cold wave. Northern and interior districts were particularly affected, with hill and forested areas witnessing extreme conditions.
In a rare winter occurrence, Similipal in Mayurbhanj district touched the freezing point at 0 degrees Celsius, while G Udayagiri in Kandhamal district emerged as the coldest place in the state, recording a minimum temperature of 3 degrees Celsius. Frost was also observed in parts of Similipal National Park, highlighting the severity of the cold spell and its impact on wildlife and vegetation.
Meteorologists have attributed the sharp drop in night temperatures to the continuous inflow of dry and cold northerly winds over the region. The prevailing weather pattern has created favourable conditions for sustained cold waves, especially during night and early morning hours.
The IMD has warned that cold wave conditions are likely to persist for at least three more days, with several districts remaining under alert. Dense fog may also accompany the cold in some areas, potentially affecting road and rail movement during early hours.
Authorities have urged residents to take necessary precautions, particularly children, the elderly, and people exposed to open conditions. Health officials have advised wearing adequate warm clothing, avoiding prolonged outdoor exposure at night and early morning, and staying alert to weather advisories as Odisha continues to brace for prolonged winter conditions.
