The cold wave gripping Odisha is set to intensify further, with temperatures expected to drop by 1 to 1.5 degrees Celsius over the next three to four days, according to Manorama Mohanty, Director of the Regional Meteorological Centre.
This could disrupt daily life across various regions of the state. In the past 24 hours, 13 cities recorded temperatures below 10°C, with Jharsuguda emerging as the coldest spot in the plains at 5.1°C, shattering its 72-year-old record.
The previous low in Jharsuguda was 6°C, recorded back in 1953. The Regional Meteorological Centre attributes the plunge to cold winds blowing in from northern India. This has made morning commutes particularly challenging, affecting daily routines statewide.
Other notable lows include Rourkela at 6.6°C, Kirei and G. Udayagiri at 6.8°C, Daringbadi at 7.5°C, Sundargarh at 7.6°C, Semiliguda at 8.5°C, Balangir at 8.8°C, Phulbani and Keonjhar at 9°C, Sonpur at 9.1°C, and Baripada, Cuttack, and Koraput at 10°C. Additionally, 17 other cities saw temperatures between 10°C and 13°C.
Dense fog was observed in Boudh and Nayagarh, while moderate fog blanketed Koraput, Phulbani, Paralakhemundi, Bhawanipatna, Gopalpur, and Jharsuguda.
Mohanty explained that the cold surge is due to north-westerly winds, with nighttime temperatures already dipping below 15°C in many districts. A slight rise in temperatures is anticipated after three to four days, offering some relief. She also mentioned the possibility of a low-pressure area forming in the Bay of Bengal, which could bring rain to parts of southern India but is unlikely to impact Odisha.
However, weather expert Sarat Sahoo suggested that the low-pressure system might cause light to moderate rainfall in some areas of Odisha, particularly along the coast and in northern regions, with scattered showers possible in the interior. Farmers and residents have been advised to stay alert. The cold wave is expected to persist until January 12.
