Bhubaneswar, Dec 27: An intense cold wave coupled with dense fog continues to grip Odisha, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning that the conditions are likely to persist for at least another week, affecting daily life and early-morning travel across several districts.
Minimum temperatures dipped below 10°C in at least eight locations on Friday night, with Koraput recording the season’s lowest temperature at 4.8°C, making it the coldest place in the state so far this winter.
Other interior and western districts also experienced severe cold conditions. Daringbadi recorded 6.5°C, followed by Jharsuguda at 7.2°C and Phulbani at 7.5°C.
Rourkela reported a minimum of 8°C, while Nabarangpur, Sundargarh, and Bhawanipatna registered 8.5°C, 9°C, and 9.8°C, respectively.
Coastal areas, however, remained comparatively warmer. Bhubaneswar recorded a minimum temperature of 14.6°C, while Cuttack registered 12.8°C, offering some relief from the biting cold prevailing in the interior regions.
According to the IMD’s regional centre in Bhubaneswar, there is no significant change expected in night temperatures over the next four days.
A gradual rise in minimum temperatures may occur only after that period, indicating prolonged cold wave conditions across the state.
The IMD has also issued a yellow warning for dense fog in several districts, including Sundargarh, Kandhamal, Khurda, Dhenkanal, and Koraput, due to reduced visibility during early morning hours.
Shallow to moderate fog is likely to persist in isolated areas over the next five days. The warning extends to Nayagarh, Ganjam, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Angul, and Khordha, where commuters have been advised to exercise caution, particularly during early travel.
Authorities have urged residents to take necessary precautions against the cold, avoid exposure during early hours, and stay updated with official weather advisories.
