Odisha is reeling under a severe cold wave as temperatures plummeted across the state. In Bhubaneswar, the mercury dropped to 9.4°C on Wednesday night, marking the coldest spell in 13 years.
The capital city last recorded such low temperatures in 2012 at 9.3°C. Historical records show Bhubaneswar touched 9.4°C in 1952, 8.6°C in 1992, and 9°C in 2003. The latest dip has once again pushed the city’s temperature into single digits.
Across Odisha, 23 towns reported temperatures below 10°C. Udayagiri emerged as the coldest location at 2.5°C, followed by Semiliguda at 3.1°C. In Similipal, night temperatures dropped to 0°C, intensifying the chill.
The Regional Meteorological Centre confirmed that dry, cold winds sweeping into the state are driving the temperature down further. Officials forecast that the cold wave will continue for the next three days, accompanied by dense fog in several districts. Special alerts have been issued for western Odisha, where conditions are expected to worsen.
Bhawanipatna and Phulbani already reported foggy conditions, while other regions brace for similar weather. Despite the chill, skies remain clear, with no significant changes expected in overall weather patterns.
The biting cold has disrupted daily life, with residents bundling up against the sharp drop in temperatures. Authorities urged caution, especially during early morning and late-night hours, as fog may reduce visibility and affect travel.
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