Cold wave sweeps Odisha; Bhubaneswar records steady dip in temperature in last two days

Odisha is witnessing a sharp dip in temperatures as a strong cold wave sweeps through the state, intensified by frigid north-westerly winds blowing in from northern India. The impact has been widespread, affecting both interior and coastal districts.

In Bhubaneswar, the mercury has been on a steady decline for the past three days. According to early morning records, the capital city registered a minimum temperature of 14.8 degrees Celsius at around 5:30 AM today. This marks a fall of 1.2 °C from November 14, when temperatures stood at 16 °C. The city has seen a dip of nearly 1.5 °C in just the last two days.

Several districts, including Koraput, Sundargarh, Kalahandi, Khordha, and Jharsuguda, have also experienced an even steeper decline, with temperatures plummeting by 5 to 7 degrees below normal. Coastal regions have also not been spared, recording a drop of 3 to 5 degrees compared to the usual seasonal range.

The cold conditions are more severe in certain pockets of Odisha. As many as ten cities reported temperatures below 12 °C. Areas such as Semiliguda, Daringbadi, G. Udayagiri, and Phulbani woke up to biting winds and piercing cold, typical of mid-winter conditions. Local residents reported discomfort as chilly mornings and dense fog made early travel difficult.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), this cold wave pattern is expected to continue. While earlier predictions suggested a two-day spell, updated assessments now indicate that Odisha may experience these conditions for nearly a week. Night temperatures are likely to remain low, particularly in northern, interior, and hill regions of the state.

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The IMD has advised residents to take precautionary measures, especially vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses. With temperatures showing a consistent downward trend, winter in Odisha appears set to tighten its grip sooner than usual.