Bhubaneswar: As the New Year dawns, Odisha is bracing for an intense cold wave, with the Meteorological Department forecasting a significant drop in temperatures across the state. Night temperatures are expected to fall by 2-4°C, bringing chilling conditions to major cities like Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.
The cold wave is anticipated to affect various regions, with temperatures in some areas predicted to dip below 10°C. Phulbani is expected to experience the coldest conditions, with temperatures dropping to around 10°C, while Koraput and Dhenkanal may see lows of 11-12°C. Major urban centers such as Rourkela, Sambalpur, Bhubaneswar, and Cuttack are forecasted to hover around 14°C, with Angul potentially dropping to 13°C.
The Meteorological Department has issued advisories for residents to take necessary precautions against the cold, particularly for vulnerable populations. Light to moderate fog is also expected in some areas, which could further impact daily activities and transportation.