Kandhamal continues to reel under cold wave conditions, with temperatures across the district remaining below 15 degrees Celsius despite a brief rise earlier this week. 

According to reports, G. Udayagiri recorded a minimum temperature of 9.4°C on Thursday, while Phulbani and Daringbadi registered 11.5°C, respectively. Dense fog also persisted across several parts of the district, affecting visibility and slowing vehicular movement.

Several regions, including Daringbadi, often referred to as the Kashmir of Odisha, along with Belghar, Barakhama, Tumudibandha, Kotagarh, Baliguda, Raikia and G. Udayagiri, continue to experience both severe cold and thick fog. The adverse weather conditions have been causing disruptions, particularly during morning hours when fog remains dense.

Local residents adopted various measures to cope with the harsh weather. People in rural areas are keeping themselves warm by wearing multiple layers of clothing and lighting small fires in their neighbourhoods. In urban pockets, residents are attempting to maintain their fitness and wellbeing by continuing morning walks, yoga, exercise and pranayama despite the cold, reportedly.

Slight Temperature Rise Offers Brief Relief

Reports indicate that temperatures rose by two to three degrees Celsius on Friday, offering some respite from the bone-chilling conditions. The rise was attributed to the possible low-pressure formation in the Bay of Bengal. However, the cold weather still persists, and temperatures in the interior regions of Kandhamal continue to hover below 10°C. Tourist inflow to the district is reportedly increasing gradually as winter conditions intensify.

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A local resident, Arun Pradhan, said, “We are enjoying our early morning walks in this weather. The fog persists until around 10 am and has made vehicular movement troublesome. As visibility is affected, I request everyone to drive carefully and slowly.”