Odisha cold wave: Bhubaneswar temp falls by 9.6 deg Celsius over 10 days, IMD says no respite until weekend

A severe cold wave continued across Odisha on Thursday as temperatures fell sharply across northern, western, and central regions.

Data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded Jharsuguda at a biting 8.6°C at 5:30 am, while several pockets of Kandhamal and Koraput reported temperatures near 5°C, marking one of the coldest spells of the season.

In the state capital, the winter intensity continued to deepen. Bhubaneswar registered 13°C at 5:30 am, marking a steep fall of 9.6°C over the last ten days, according to preliminary station readings. The data added that at least ten cities and towns across Odisha recorded temperatures at or below the 10°C mark.

IMD Forecasts Two More Days Of Severe Cold

The IMD said the prevailing conditions are likely to continue for at least the next 48 hours, with dense fog and cold northwesterly winds expected to dominate morning and late-evening hours. IMD analysts added that the broader cold pattern observed this week is consistent with regional synoptic conditions influencing eastern India.

The department’s extended outlook suggests that winter intensity will remain significant across Odisha until December 12, with a further dip possible in interior districts.

Western Disturbance To Shift Temperatures

The IMD noted that the western Himalayan region is expected to be influenced by a fresh Western Disturbance from December 13. Once this system interacts with the plains, Odisha could experience a shift in minimum temperatures.

Reports added that the cold wave may ease slightly after two days as clouding and wind-pattern changes linked to the disturbance modify night-time cooling. However, it stated that the overall winter phase remains far from over, with additional cold spells likely later in the month.

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Widespread Cold Wave Disrupts Routine Life

The drop in temperature has begun to affect normal life in several districts. Local field reports from Phulbani, Bonai, Koida, and other high-altitude belts indicated sparse early-morning activity, reduced road traffic, and subdued business hours as residents avoided prolonged exposure to bone-chilling winds.

Market areas, bus stands, and outdoor workspaces witnessed significantly lower footfall on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, with many neighbourhoods falling silent soon after sunset.