Odisha records season’s first frost as Kandhamal shivers at 5°C; IMD warns of no immediate respite

Kandhamal district reported the first visible frost of the season on Thursday as temperatures plunged to 5°C, turning shrubs, paddy yards, and open fields in Phulbani into ice-covered patches.

Sources reported that Phulbani and the surrounding areas noticed a thin white layer on vegetation and farm surfaces early in the morning, confirming the year’s first frost formation in the region. Reports added that frost had settled across plains and valley areas, with morning winds intensifying the chill.

Ground visuals showed that dense fog reduced visibility and kept the terrain blanketed in a grey haze.

Cold Wave Grips State, No Respite Soon

According to preliminary station readings, Phulbani recorded 5.2°C between Wednesday night and Thursday morning, G. Udayagiri logged 5°C, and Daringbadi registered 7°C over the same period.

The cold conditions in Kandhamal form part of a broader statewide decline in temperatures. IMD data showed Jharsuguda at 8.6°C at 5:30 am, while several interior pockets of Kandhamal and Koraput stayed close to 5°C. At least ten cities and towns across Odisha reported temperatures at or below 10°C.

In Bhubaneswar, the temperature dipped to 13°C, marking a steep fall of 9.6°C over the past ten days. IMD reports stated that dense fog and cold northwesterly winds will dominate the next 48 hours, with severe cold wave conditions expected to continue across northern, western, and interior Odisha.

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The IMD’s extended forecast states that winter intensity will remain high across Odisha until December 12, with a further drop in minimum temperatures likely in several interior districts.