Odisha continues to reel under severe cold and dense fog conditions as winter tightens its grip across the state.
In the past 24 hours, temperatures in 10 towns dipped below 10°C, while five locations reported heavy fog.
Southern Odisha recorded the lowest temperatures, with G. Udayagiri reporting 4.6°C, the coldest in the state. Western and interior districts also experienced dense fog, while coastal areas remained comparatively less cold.
Officials noted that night temperatures have dropped by 2–3°C in several regions over the past two weeks, intensifying the chill. Active high-pressure systems in the atmosphere have triggered fog formation across multiple districts.
Dense fog was reported in Sundargarh, Sambalpur, Mayurbhanj, Kandhamal, and Nuapada, while Rourkela witnessed heavy fog. Jharsuguda, Phulbani, and Bhawanipatna experienced moderate fog, and Baripada recorded light fog. The reduced visibility caused travel disruptions until late morning hours.
The Regional Meteorological Centre has issued warnings for Kandhamal, Jharsuguda, and Sundargarh districts, predicting dense fog for the next two days. Scientist Dr Rajashree VPM confirmed that the cold wave and fog will persist until the New Year, with minimum temperatures ranging between 4°C and 10°C across the state.
The prevailing weather has raised concerns about road safety and daily commuting, as fog continues to affect visibility during peak morning hours.
