The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a sharp and widespread drop in minimum temperatures across Odisha after December 5, ending the brief phase of warmer nights felt in several districts.
According to the IMD, night temperatures had risen by 2–3°C in many parts of the state due to moisture-laden winds generated by two active weather systems over the Bay of Bengal. These conditions temporarily disrupted the usual radiational cooling that brings chillier nights during late November. With these systems expected to move away, winter conditions will strengthen again in the first week of December.
Short-Lived Warmth Caused by Twin Bay of Bengal Systems
Meteorologists attributed the recent rise in temperatures to two active systems—one over the southwest Bay of Bengal and another near the Sri Lanka coast. These systems pumped significant moisture into the lower atmosphere, reducing nighttime cooling.
One of the systems intensified into Cyclone Ditwah, currently near the Sri Lanka coast and moving toward a likely landfall close to Chennai this weekend.
IMD clarified that Odisha will not face any direct or damaging impact from Cyclone Ditwah. However, peripheral circulation from these systems has temporarily increased humidity, resulting in slightly warmer nights in coastal and neighboring districts.
Cold Conditions to Strengthen After December 5
The IMD indicated that colder conditions will return with greater intensity after December 5 as dry, cool winds re-establish themselves over the region. Lower humidity and clearer skies are expected to support stronger nighttime cooling, marking the beginning of a more stable winter phase.
Despite the temporary warming, several interior districts continue to report significantly low temperatures. Recent observations include:
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Phulbani: 8.5°C
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Jharsuguda: 9.2°C
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Angul: 9.6°C
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Bhawanipatna: 9.8°C
These readings indicate that winter conditions remain firm in many pockets of the state even during the short warm spell.
