Bhubaneswar breaks 7-year-old January record as mercury plunges to 10.2 deg C

Bhubaneswar witnessed its coldest January day in the last seven years on Wednesday, with the minimum temperature plunging to 10.2 degrees Celsius, marking a sharp departure from normal winter conditions in the capital city. 

According to sources, the mercury dipped nearly 5 degree Celsius below the seasonal average, underscoring the intensity of the prevailing cold wave across Odisha.

As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD) records, the last time the city experienced a colder January night was on January 1, 2019, when the minimum temperature had dropped to 9.5 degrees Celsius.

The capital was not alone in facing the severe chill. At least 23 places across the state, including Cuttack, recorded minimum temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius. 

Similipal in Mayurbhanj district touched the freezing point at zero degree Celsius, while hill station G Udayagiri in Kandhamal emerged as the coldest place in the state with the mercury dropping to 3 degrees Celsius. Frost was also reported from parts of Similipal National Park, reflecting the harshness of the winter spell.

IMD officials attributed the sharp fall in night temperatures to the inflow of dry and cold winds over the region. The weather agency has forecast that cold wave conditions are likely to continue for at least three more days, issuing warnings for several districts.

Also Read: Similipal shivers at zero degree Celsius as cold wave tightens grip in Odisha

With Odisha bracing for prolonged cold conditions, authorities have advised people to take adequate precautions, particularly children, the elderly and those exposed to the open during early morning and night hours.