Severe cold wave grips Odisha as temperatures plunge to record lows in Cuttack, Rourkela

Odisha is experiencing one of its harshest winter spells in recent years as an intense cold wave continues to grip the state, disrupting normal life across several regions. The unusually severe winter has seen temperatures plunge to extreme levels, with biting cold affecting major cities, including the Twin Cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.

Rourkela recorded an exceptionally low temperature of 3.6 degrees Celsius, emerging as the fourth coldest city in the country. In Cuttack, the mercury dropped to 8.9 degrees Celsius, breaking a 21-year-old record. The previous lowest temperature in the city was 8.5 degrees Celsius, recorded on January 6, 2004. Since then, Cuttack had not witnessed such a sharp dip in temperature.

The state capital, Bhubaneswar, continues to reel under severe cold conditions, with dense fog enveloping the city over the past few days and intensifying the chill. On Saturday, the temperature in Bhubaneswar touched 10 degrees Celsius at around 5:30 am, while the minimum temperature stood at 10.2 degrees Celsius.

Northern Odisha has also been severely affected, with Mayurbhanj district reporting sub-zero temperatures, underscoring the intensity of the cold wave sweeping across the state.

Also Read: Severe frost grips Koida for fourth straight day, normal life disrupted in Sundargarh

According to the India Meteorological Department, there is no immediate relief from the cold conditions. The cold wave is expected to persist, with low temperatures likely to continue until January 11.

The prolonged spell of extreme cold has prompted residents to take precautionary measures as Odisha continues to battle an unforgiving winter.