Odisha to remain in grip of cold wave for two more weeks

Odisha is likely to continue experiencing intense cold conditions for the next two weeks. As per the prediction by India Meteorological Department, dry and cold winds entering the State will further intensify the chill.

Meteorologist Umashankar Das on Thursday informed that night temperatures in most parts of the State have dropped below 10 degrees Celsius. As many as 24 cities have recorded minimum temperatures of 10 degrees Celsius or lower in the last 24 hours.

As per reports, G Udayagiri in Kandhamal district recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 2.5 degrees Celsius, marking the first time this year that the mercury has touched close to 2 degrees in the state. Other cold spots included Semiliguda at 3.2 degrees Celsius, Phulbani at 5 degrees Celsius, Rourkela at 5.4 degrees Celsius and Jharsuguda at 5.8 degrees Celsius.

Also Read: Cold wave to intensify across Odisha; night temperatures to drop further

The capital city, Bhubaneswar, also shivered as the minimum temperature dipped to 9.4 degrees Celsius. This is the first time in 13 years that Bhubaneswar has recorded a single-digit night temperature. Earlier, in 2012, the capital city had registered a minimum temperature of 9.3 degrees Celsius.

The India Meteorological Department has predicted that the bone-chilling cold wave will persist across Odisha for the next two weeks, with no immediate relief in sight.

"The minimum temperature in Odisha is not likely to change much in the next couple of days. The temperature is likely to increase after two days. A cold wave warning has been issued in the State for the next two days," said IMD's Bhubaneswar regional centre Director, Manorama Mohanty.