Odisha shivers at 3.5 deg Celsius; IMD issues fresh warning for five days

A severe cold wave continues to tighten its grip across Odisha, with southern and western districts experiencing biting cold conditions and widespread dense fog disrupting early morning visibility.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that there will be no significant change in minimum temperatures across the state till the New Year, while issuing a five-day dense fog warning for several districts.

According to the IMD, cold wave conditions are prevailing over large parts of the state, with more than ten cities recording minimum temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius. Southern and western Odisha remain the worst affected, where both plunging night temperatures and persistent fog are adding to discomfort.

G. Udayagiri Coldest In The State

As per the latest weather data, Kandhamal district has emerged as the epicentre of the cold wave. G. Udayagiri recorded the lowest minimum temperature in Odisha at 3.5 degrees Celsius, making it the coldest location in the state during the last 24-hour period.

Daringbadi and Phulbani also witnessed intense cold, with minimum temperatures dropping to around 6 degrees Celsius.

Dense Fog To Persist Across Districts

In addition to the cold wave, dense fog has become a major concern. The IMD has warned that dense fog is likely to occur during morning hours in districts including Sundargarh, Sambalpur, Angul, Dhenkanal, Kalahandi, Kandhamal and Nayagarh. 

Similar conditions are expected to prevail intermittently in several other parts of the state over the next five days.

Sources reported that the dense fog has already begun affecting road movement in many areas, with reduced visibility reported on highways and rural roads during early morning hours.

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No Relief Till New Year

Meteorological assessments indicate that prevailing weather conditions are unlikely to change before December 31. IMD officials said there is no forecast of any immediate rise in minimum temperatures till the New Year, and cold night conditions will continue across most districts.

However, a marginal improvement is expected after the New Year. From January 1 onwards, night temperatures may rise by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius, depending on changes in wind flow and atmospheric circulation.