A severe cold wave continues to affect large parts of Odisha, with minimum temperatures remaining unusually low across the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said that there is no immediate relief from the cold conditions until the New Year.
Over the past 24 hours, more than ten locations across Odisha have recorded minimum temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius, while dense fog conditions are expected to persist in several districts for the next five days.
Kandhamal Emerges as Coldest District
According to IMD data, Kandhamal district recorded the lowest temperatures in the state during the last 24 hours.
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G. Udayagiri: 3.5°C (lowest in Odisha)
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Daringbadi: Around 6°C
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Phulbani: Around 6°C
These low temperatures have significantly impacted daily life, particularly during early morning and night hours.
Jharsuguda Breaks 15-Year December Cold Record
In western Odisha, Jharsuguda recorded a minimum temperature of 6.5 degrees Celsius, marking the lowest December temperature in the district in the last 15 years.
Meteorological records indicate that this is the fourth-lowest minimum temperature ever recorded in Jharsuguda during December, highlighting the intensity of the ongoing cold wave.
Dense Fog to Persist in Several Districts
The IMD has warned that dense fog is likely during morning hours over the next five days in districts including:
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Sundargarh
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Sambalpur
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Angul
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Dhenkanal
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Kalahandi
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Kandhamal
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Nayagarh
Intermittent fog conditions may also occur in other districts. Reduced visibility has already been reported in several areas, affecting vehicular movement on highways and rural roads during early morning hours.
No Immediate Relief Expected
The weather department has forecast no significant change in minimum temperatures across Odisha till December 31. Cold night conditions are expected to continue in most parts of the state.
However, a slight rise of 2 to 3 degrees Celsius in nighttime temperatures may be observed after the New Year, depending on changes in wind patterns and atmospheric circulation.
