Cold wave tightens grip across Odisha: Twin cities shiver at 13 degrees, IMD says no respite likely

A strong and widespread cold wave has set in across Odisha, with multiple districts recording their lowest temperatures of the season and several interior regions dipping below 10°C.

A sudden onset of winter over the state now has several places experiencing an intense and persistent cold spell that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects to continue for at least the next two to three days.

Initial readings from the last 24 hours show that G. Udayagiri in Kandhamal district was the coldest location in the state, registering a minimum temperature of 5.8°C. Semiliguda in Koraput recorded 7.4°C, Daringbadi 8°C, and Phulbani 9°C. The twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, usually warmer due to urban heat effects, also saw temperatures fall to around 13°C.

Steep Drop Recorded As North-Westerlies Intensify

Reports stated that the cold wave has been triggered by a persistent flow of frigid north-westerly winds from northern India, sharply reducing temperatures across both interior and coastal districts.

According to IMD observations, several districts, including Koraput, Sundargarh, Kalahandi, Khordha, and Jharsuguda, have recorded temperature drops of 5°C to 7°C below normal.

Bhubaneswar has been on a steady downward trend for three days, with early morning readings touching 14.8°C, down from 16°C on November 14. Coastal belts, typically buffered from sharp temperature dips, are also witnessing conditions 3°C to 5°C below the seasonal average.

Meteorologists have said that no major change is expected for the next 72 hours, after which minimum temperatures may rise by 2°C to 3°C as wind patterns shift.

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

Interior Districts See Season’s Lowest Temp

Kandhamal district continues to be the coldest zone in Odisha, with dense early-morning fog, biting winds and severe discomfort reported from multiple blocks. G. Udayagiri’s low of 5.8°C marks one of the sharpest drops recorded so far this winter.

Ground reports from Semiliguda, Koida, Lamataput and Phulbani confirm widespread frost-like conditions, with residents delaying morning travel due to reduced visibility and harsh chill. Several schools in these regions reported thin attendance as children struggled with the sudden cold snap.

Meanwhile, with thirteen cities already below the 12°C mark, the IMD has maintained a cold wave alert for interior Odisha.