Cold wave in Odisha: Jharsuguda records lowest temperature in 73 years

A severe cold wave has gripped Odisha, with the state witnessing record-breaking temperatures this year. Jharsuguda has shattered its previous all-time low of 5.6°C, recorded on January 7, 2023, not once but five times this season. 

According to weather data, the mercury dropped to 4.5°C on January 10, 2026, marking the lowest temperature ever recorded in Jharsuguda. The district had earlier recorded 4.6°C on January 9, followed by 5°C on January 16, 5.1°C on January 6, and 5.4°C on January 7 this season.

As per IMDS, the last time Jharsuguda town recorded such a low temperature was in 1953.

According to weather expert, Uma Shankar Das, the previous all-time record low stood at 5.6°C, recorded on January 7, 2023, which has now been decisively surpassed. Meanwhile, January 8, 2026, recorded a minimum temperature of 5.8°C, further highlighting the intensity and persistence of the cold wave.

Apart from Jharsuguda, other districts of the state also experienced one of its harshest winter spells in recent years as an intense cold wave disrupted normal life across several regions.

Rourkela recorded an exceptionally low temperature of 3.6 degrees Celsius on January 9, emerging as the fourth coldest city in the country. In Cuttack, the mercury dropped to 8.9 degrees Celsius, breaking a 21-year-old record. The previous lowest temperature in the city was 8.5 degrees Celsius, recorded on January 6, 2004. 

Dense Fog Deepens Weather Woes

Adding on to the woes, dense fog has further disrupted normal life in southern Odisha. Kandhamal district is experiencing heavy fog, severely reducing visibility. In several areas, roads are not visible even from a distance of a few metres, creating difficulties for commuters.