Dense fog disrupts normal life in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack; visibility drops to 50 metres in Puri

Dense fog disrupted normal life across Odisha’s twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack on Tuesday morning, severely affecting vehicular movement and reducing visibility on key roads and highways.

In Bhubaneswar, a thick blanket of fog engulfed the city from the early hours, creating near white-out conditions in several localities. Visibility dropped sharply, particularly along national highways and major arterial roads, forcing vehicles to crawl with headlights and fog lamps switched on.

Commuters faced significant inconvenience during peak office hours as the dense fog hampered smooth traffic flow and caused delays. Many residents described the situation as resembling a sheet of white smoke covering the capital city.

Similar conditions prevailed in Cuttack, where a heavy layer of fog disrupted daily activities and slowed down traffic across major roads and highways. Motorists navigated cautiously through mist-covered streets amid poor visibility. The early morning fog posed challenges for office-goers, school students and daily commuters.

Srimandir Shrouded in Fog

The impact of the dense fog was also felt in Puri, where the pilgrim town remained enveloped in thick mist. The iconic Shree Jagannath Temple was partially obscured as visibility reportedly dropped to nearly 50 metres in some areas.

Tourist movement remained thin during the morning hours, with fewer visitors venturing out to the sea beach or temple premises due to the foggy conditions.

Cold Conditions Intensify Fog Formation

The recent surge in cold conditions across the region has contributed to intensified fog formation. Bhubaneswar and Cuttack have been witnessing increasingly chilly and misty mornings over the past few days, with weather officials attributing the phenomenon to prevailing atmospheric conditions.

Also Read: Dry weather to continue in Odisha; dense fog warning issued for several districts

Authorities have advised motorists to exercise caution while driving during early morning hours, use fog lights, and maintain safe distances to avoid accidents.