Bhubaneswar began the New Year under a thick layer of severe dense fog, with visibility dropping to near zero in several parts of the city. The foggy conditions disrupted early-morning commutes, slowed traffic, and posed safety concerns for pedestrians and motorists alike.
Large parts of the Odisha capital witnessed extremely poor visibility during the early hours, making buildings and road signs barely visible. Videos and eyewitness accounts from across the city described “near-zero visibility,” particularly on major roads and residential stretches.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier forecast dense to very dense fog across parts of Odisha, including isolated pockets of Khurda district—where Bhubaneswar is located—along with Sundargarh, Kandhamal, and surrounding regions. According to IMD bulletins, foggy mornings are likely to persist across the state until at least January 5, with no significant change expected in minimum temperatures during the initial days.
Commuters reported slow-moving traffic as vehicles used fog lights and hazard indicators to navigate cautiously. Local authorities advised people to avoid non-essential travel during early morning hours and urged drivers to maintain low speeds and safe distances.
Similar weather conditions have been reported in parts of northern and eastern India, where dense fog has disrupted flight schedules and highway traffic. Meteorologists attribute the phenomenon to calm wind conditions and high moisture levels following the winter chill—an occurrence common in eastern India during January.
The IMD has urged motorists, aviators, and the general public to remain cautious, noting that reduced visibility significantly increases the risk of accidents. As temperatures rise later in the day, the fog is expected to gradually clear, leading to partly cloudy skies.
While residents welcomed the New Year amid winter’s chill, weather officials caution that isolated foggy conditions may continue through the week.
