Odisha is bracing for a prolonged spell of intense cold, with no significant change in temperatures expected until the New Year. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast dry weather conditions across the state, leading to a further drop in mercury levels, especially during nights in interior and hilly regions.
In the last 24 hours, nine cities recorded minimum temperatures below 10°C, while fog was observed in ten locations. Koraput emerged as the coldest spot with a minimum temperature of **6.1°C**, while Rourkela experienced extremely dense fog, reducing visibility to between 0 and 50 meters. Light to moderate fog was also reported in Sambalpur, Hirakud, Dhenkanal, Sonepur, Phulbani, Jharsuguda, Koraput, Bhawanipatna, and Baripada.
Other low temperatures included Jharsuguda and Semiliguda at 6-7°C, Saringbari at 7.5°C, G. Udayagiri and Nabarangpur at 8-9°C, and Phulbani and Kirei at 9-10°C. The hilly areas are particularly affected, causing difficulties for tourists due to the combination of biting cold and persistent fog.
IMD Regional Director **Manorama Mohanty** stated that dry weather will prevail for the next seven days, allowing cold, dry northwesterly winds to intensify. By December 28, night temperatures are likely to fall below 10°C in districts including Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Boudh, Sonepur, Rayagada, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Nuapada, Kandhamal, Bolangir, Angul, and Keonjhar. Coastal districts like Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, and Jagatsinghpur may also see a dip.
Dense fog warnings have been issued for Kandhamal, Dhenkanal, Sonepur, Sambalpur, and Sundargarh on Christmas Day, with patchy fog expected in several other districts. Similar conditions are forecast for the next couple of days, potentially covering half the state.
Mohanty emphasised caution during morning travel, urging drivers to be vigilant to avoid accidents. “With increased cold during Christmas and New Year, picnic spots and tourist destinations are likely to see crowds, but the prevailing chill and fog in hilly areas will continue,” she added.
The IMD advises residents, especially in affected districts, to stay warm and drive carefully during low-visibility hours.
