A cyclonic circulation is likely to develop over the Bay of Bengal by December 31.
Weather experts predict that its effects may linger into the next week, but it is expected to remain confined to the south Bay of Bengal without significantly impacting Odisha.
Various meteorological models indicate minimal influence on the state, though southern India could experience a subdued start to the New Year due to this system.
Until the cyclonic circulation fully forms, a complete assessment remains challenging. The likelihood of the low-pressure system intensifying further is low, and it is projected to stay active over the sea for up to seven days. Determining its exact intensity is difficult at this stage, but once formed, its strength and trajectory will become clearer. If it evolves into a depression, the chances of it affecting India are slim, with models suggesting it may move towards Indonesia or Sri Lanka instead.
Authorities advise the public against unnecessary panic, emphasising that Odisha is unlikely to face substantial effects. This comes after two cyclones in the Bay of Bengal during November: Cyclone ‘Ditwah’ caused havoc in Sri Lanka and impacted the coasts of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, while another system near Indonesia brought minor disruptions to Indonesia and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
In the meantime, Odisha has been experiencing dry and cold weather over the past 24 hours, with night temperatures dipping below 10 degrees Celsius in 12 cities. Fog has also been reported in seven cities. Koraput recorded the lowest temperature at 4.8 degrees Celsius, making it the coldest spot in the state. Dense fog was observed in Nayagarh, Phulbani, Koraput, and Bhawanipatna.
The regional meteorological centre has issued a yellow warning for dense fog over the next four days in various districts. For Saturday morning, warnings have been specifically issued for Koraput, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, and Nayagarh.
Other notably cold cities include Semiliguda at 6.3 degrees, Daringbadi at 6.5 degrees, Jharsuguda at 7.2 degrees, Phulbani at 7.5 degrees, G Udaygiri at 7.8 degrees, Rourkela at 8 degrees, Kirei at 8.3 degrees, Nabarangpur at 8.5 degrees, Sundargarh at 9 degrees, Bhawanipatna at 9.8 degrees, and Rayagada at 10 degrees. Light fog was also noted in Gopalpur, Paradip, and Rourkela.
The drop in temperatures is attributed to increased northwest wind flow. According to Manorama Mohanty, Director of the Regional Meteorological Centre, no major weather changes are expected this week, and cold conditions will persist. Night temperatures in plains and hilly areas may decrease by 1-2 degrees, while coastal regions will continue to experience unrelenting cold and increased fog until the New Year.
