Severe cold wave in Odisha: Jharsuguda chill breaks 15-yr record; no respite till New Year, says IMD

A severe cold wave continues to affect large parts of Odisha, with minimum temperatures remaining significantly low across the state, and no major change is expected until the New Year, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). 

In the last 24 hours, more than ten cities have recorded minimum temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius, while dense fog conditions are likely to persist in several districts over the next five days.

According to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), southern and western districts are experiencing the most intense cold conditions, with low night temperatures and fog affecting daily activities, particularly during early morning hours.

Kandhamal Coldest Region In The State

The weather department stated that Kandhamal district has emerged as the coldest region in Odisha over the last 24 hours. G. Udayagiri recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 3.5 degrees Celsius, making it the coldest location in the state during the period.

Daringbadi and Phulbani also recorded minimum temperatures of around 6 degrees Celsius, according to available weather data.

Jharsuguda Sees Lowest December Temperature in 15 Years

In western Odisha, Jharsuguda recorded a minimum night temperature of 6.5 degrees Celsius. Meteorological records show that this is the fourth-lowest minimum temperature recorded in the district during December and the lowest minimum temperature recorded there in the last 15 years.

Alongside the cold wave, dense fog is likely to occur during morning hours over the next five days in several districts, including Sundargarh, Sambalpur, Angul, Dhenkanal, Kalahandi, Kandhamal and Nayagarh. Similar conditions are expected intermittently in other districts as well.

Reduced visibility due to fog has already been reported in several areas, affecting road movement on highways and rural roads during early morning hours.

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

No Relief Expected Before December 31

The India Meteorological Department has stated that there is no forecast of any significant change in minimum temperatures across Odisha till December 31. Cold night conditions are expected to continue across most districts.

A marginal rise in nighttime temperatures of 2 to 3 degrees Celsius may occur after the New Year, depending on changes in wind patterns and atmospheric circulation.