A biting cold wave continued to sweep across Odisha on Sunday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting that the prevailing conditions are likely to persist for the next two days. The cold spell is expected to impact southern, western and interior parts of the state more severely, with minimum temperatures dipping below 10 degrees Celsius in several districts.

According to IMD data, at least 16 locations across the state recorded minimum temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius, indicating the intensity of the cold wave.

Widespread Low Temperatures Recorded

G Udayagiri emerged as the coldest place in Odisha, recording a minimum temperature of 3.1 degrees Celsius. Semiliguda followed with 4.6 degrees Celsius, while Phulbani recorded 5.5 degrees Celsius. Daringbadi reported a low of 6 degrees Celsius, Koraput 6.5 degrees Celsius, and Chiplima 7.8 degrees Celsius.

Nabarangpur and Rourkela both recorded minimum temperatures of 8 degrees Celsius. Jharsuguda reported 8.2 degrees Celsius, Bhawanipatna 8.5 degrees Celsius, Angul 9 degrees Celsius, and Kirei 9.2 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, Dhenkanal, Rayagada, Boudh and Sundargarh recorded minimum temperatures hovering around 10 degrees Celsius.

Daily Life Affected in Southern Districts

The prolonged cold conditions have significantly affected daily life, particularly in southern Odisha. In Koraput, farmers and residents heading out for early-morning markets were seen wrapped in multiple layers of warm clothing to shield themselves from the biting cold and fog.

A traveller from Angul said the winter in the region felt unusually harsh, adding that the chill was clearly perceptible throughout the day. A local farmer said they had to leave home as early as 3 am to reach the market, noting that dense fog and extreme cold were severely affecting normal life.

Tourist Influx Continues Despite Cold

Despite the severe cold wave, Koraput continues to witness a steady influx of tourists from different parts of Odisha and outside the state. Visitors were seen gathering around tea stalls and local eateries to keep warm, as temperatures remain consistently low in the region.

Also Read: Koida shivers under intense cold spell, mercury falls below 8°C

The IMD has advised people to take necessary precautions, especially during early morning and late night hours, as cold wave conditions are likely to continue over the next couple of days.