Odisha continues to face an intense cold wave as winter conditions tightened their grip across the state, with Similipal in Mayurbhanj district recording a freezing 0 degrees Celsius, the lowest temperature reported this season.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), at least 23 towns across Odisha registered minimum temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius, highlighting the severity of the ongoing cold spell. The weather agency has warned that cold wave conditions are likely to persist for the next three days.
Several parts of the state experienced dense fog and frost formation, particularly in high-altitude and forested regions, affecting visibility and disrupting daily activities.
Kandhamal Among Coldest Regions
G Udayagiri in Kandhamal district emerged as one of the coldest locations, with the mercury dipping to 3 degrees Celsius. Nearby highland areas in Kandhamal and adjoining districts recorded similarly low temperatures, intensifying the chill.
Impact on Daily Life
The harsh winter conditions have significantly affected people, especially in rural, tribal, and economically vulnerable communities. Many residents have been seen gathering around bonfires during early mornings and late evenings to protect themselves from the biting cold.
Authorities have urged citizens to take adequate precautions, particularly older adults, children, and individuals with health conditions, as prolonged exposure to extreme cold can pose serious health risks.
IMD Cold Wave Warnings
The IMD has issued Yellow Warnings for several districts:
Day 1 (January 8–9, 2026):
Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Balasore, Khordha, Angul, Jharsuguda, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Sundargarh, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Sonepur, and Nabarangpur.
Day 2 (January 9–10, 2026):
Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Angul, Mayurbhanj, Deogarh, Keonjhar, and Sambalpur.
Residents are advised to stay updated with official weather bulletins and follow safety guidelines as Odisha braces for continued severe winter conditions.
