A severe cold wave continued to grip large parts of Odisha on Sunday, with minimum temperatures dropping below 10°C in at least 16 cities, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Weather officials have forecast that the cold conditions are likely to persist for the next two days.
The IMD said the impact of the cold spell will be more pronounced in southern, western, and interior districts, where chilly winds and dense fog have added to the discomfort.
16 Locations Record Sub-10°C Temperatures
IMD data showed G Udayagiri as the coldest location in the state, recording a minimum temperature of 3.1°C.
Other areas that experienced biting cold include:
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Semiliguda: 4.6°C
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Phulbani: 5.5°C
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Daringbadi: 6°C
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Koraput: 6.5°C
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Chiplima: 7.8°C
Nabarangpur and Rourkela recorded 8°C, while Jharsuguda saw a minimum of 8.2°C and Bhawanipatna registered 8.5°C.
Temperatures also dipped in Angul (9°C) and Kirei (9.2°C), while Dhenkanal, Rayagada, Boudh, and Sundargarh hovered around the 10°C mark.
Cold Wave Disrupts Daily Life
The prolonged cold spell has significantly affected daily routines, especially in southern Odisha. In Koraput, farmers and early-morning commuters were seen wearing multiple layers of warm clothing as dense fog and freezing conditions prevailed.
A traveller from Angul described the winter as unusually harsh, noting that the chill remained throughout the day. A local farmer said they were forced to leave home as early as 3 am to reach markets, with cold and fog making travel difficult.
Tourists Brave the Chill
Despite the harsh weather, tourist footfall remains steady in Koraput. Visitors were seen gathering around tea stalls and local eateries to stay warm, even as temperatures remained consistently low.
IMD Issues Advisory
The IMD has advised people to take precautions, particularly during early morning and late-night hours, as cold wave conditions are expected to continue across Odisha for the next couple of days.
