A strong and widespread cold wave has gripped Odisha, with several districts reporting their lowest temperatures of the season. Interior regions have witnessed a steep fall, with multiple locations dipping below 10°C, marking one of the most intense cold spells so far this winter.
According to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), G. Udayagiri in Kandhamal district recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 5.8°C in the past 24 hours. Semiliguda in Koraput registered 7.4°C, Daringbadi hit 8°C, and Phulbani dropped to 9°C. Even the typically warmer twin cities—Bhubaneswar and Cuttack—felt the chill as temperatures fell to around 13°C.
North-Westerly Winds Trigger Sharp Temperature Drop
Meteorologists attribute the sudden temperature plunge to the continued flow of cold north-westerly winds from northern India. This has led to a significant 5°C to 7°C drop below normal across several districts including Koraput, Sundargarh, Kalahandi, Khordha, and Jharsuguda.
Bhubaneswar has been on a downward trend for the past three days, with early morning temperatures falling from 16°C on November 14 to 14.8°C. Coastal areas, which usually maintain milder winter conditions, are now experiencing temperatures 3°C to 5°C below the seasonal average.
IMD officials say the cold wave is expected to persist for the next 72 hours, after which minimum temperatures may rise by 2°C to 3°C as wind patterns begin to shift.
Interior Odisha Shivers as Several Areas Record Season’s Lowest
Kandhamal district remains the coldest zone in the state, reporting dense morning fog, biting winds, and reduced visibility. G. Udayagiri’s 5.8°C is one of the sharpest temperature drops recorded this season.
Reports from Semiliguda, Koida, Lamataput, and Phulbani confirm frost-like conditions in the early hours. Residents are delaying morning travel due to poor visibility and harsh cold. Schools in several interior regions have also reported lower attendance as children struggle with the sudden temperature drop.
With more than a dozen locations now below 12°C, the IMD has continued its cold wave alert for interior Odisha.
