Odisha is experiencing a widespread chill as temperatures have dipped significantly across all regions, with the mercury falling below 20 degrees Celsius in every district. In the last 24 hours, 10 cities recorded minimum temperatures below 12 degrees Celsius.
Daringbadi saw the lowest at 8 degrees Celsius, followed by Phulbani at 9 degrees Celsius. Other notable lows include Rourkela at 10.2 degrees, Bhadrak at 10.5 degrees, Angul and Jharsuguda at 10.6 degrees each, Keonjhar at 10.8 degrees, Bhawanipatna at 11.4 degrees, Koraput at 11.5 degrees, and Nabarangpur at 11.6 degrees.
Fog density has increased from early morning hours, with dense fog reported in Sundargarh district and light fog in Kalahandi during the past day. The dropping nighttime temperatures are intensifying the cold sensation, causing disruptions in commuting due to morning fog. Interior and southern Odisha are feeling the brunt of the cold, with higher fog prevalence compared to other areas. On Sunday night, a cold wave is expected in Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Angul, Cuttack, Khordha, and Kandhamal districts, according to Manorama Mohanty, Director of the Regional Meteorological Centre.
In the twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, the mercury has been steadily declining. Over the last 24 hours, it dropped from 15 to 13 degrees Celsius. Cuttack recorded a minimum nighttime temperature of 13.6 degrees Celsius (5.1 degrees below normal), while Bhubaneswar hit 13 degrees Celsius (6.4 degrees below normal). Central Meteorological Scientist Umashankar Das noted that these figures indicate deviations from normal nighttime temperatures. Notably, Bhubaneswar’s temperature has fallen by 1.2 degrees over the past three days, as clarified by the Regional Meteorological Centre.
Along coastal Odisha and adjoining areas, nighttime temperatures are 3 to 4 degrees below normal, pushing minimums below 20 degrees Celsius. This marks the second consecutive day of statewide minimum temperatures below 20 degrees. In interior Odisha, some places have seen drops of 3 to 6 degrees below normal. The Regional Meteorological Centre has issued a warning that minimum nighttime temperatures will decrease further over the next two days.
According to the Bhubaneswar Regional Meteorological Centre’s assessment, districts like Sundargarh, Rourkela, Sambalpur, Dhenkanal, Angul, Koraput, Rayagada, and Nabarangpur will experience falling nighttime temperatures and heightened cold. In the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, the nighttime mercury is expected to hover around 14 degrees Celsius and nearby areas. Reduced sea breeze inflow to inland regions is causing the coastal areas to also see dropping nighttime temperatures. Within the week, coastal minimum nighttime temperatures could fall by another 2 to 3 degrees, as warned by the Regional Meteorological Centre.
IMD Issues Heavy Rain Alerts for South India as Low-Pressure System Brews in Bay of Bengal
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for heavy to very heavy rainfall across parts of southern India, triggered by a low-pressure area forming over the southwest Bay of Bengal. This developing system is expected to bring intense downpours, prompting warnings for residents to exercise caution.
In Tamil Nadu, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely over the next two days, with the IMD forecasting disruptions due to the cyclonic circulation. On Monday, the southern coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh and the Rayalaseema area are anticipated to experience heavy showers, potentially leading to waterlogging and travel hazards.
The IMD has advised people in the affected regions to avoid unnecessary outdoor travel and remain in safe locations during the rains to mitigate risks. “Stay indoors if possible and monitor local updates,” the advisory emphasised, urging preparedness for sudden weather changes.
Amid the rainfall forecast, a slight respite from the ongoing cold spell is on the horizon. Temperatures are expected to rise by 2-3 degrees Celsius, leading to a marginal decrease in cold intensity across Odisha. However, western and interior districts of the state may still witness severe cold conditions, according to the IMD.
For the next 24 hours, cold wave alerts have been issued for six districts in Odisha. Relief is anticipated from Monday night onward, when the overall chill is projected to ease statewide, providing some comfort to residents bundled up against the recent sub-20°C temperatures. The IMD continues to monitor the situation closely, with updates promised as the low-pressure system evolves.
