Finance
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow warning for cold wave conditions in portions of Odisha on Monday, advising residents to stay vigilant as temperatures continue to drop across the state.
According to the Meteorological Centre’s Midday Weather Bulletin, cold wave conditions are predicted to persist in isolated pockets of Jharsuguda, Angul, and Boudh districts till the morning of January 13. The warning has been extended for the following days, and comparable circumstances are predicted to prevail in these districts until January 14. From January 14 to 15, the cold wave is expected to affect a larger area, including Sundargarh, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Khordha, Angul, Dhenkanal, Kendrapada, and Boudh.
The advisory noted a significant drop in minimum temperatures of roughly 5°C in one or two sites, as well as a 2-4°C drop in several others. Night temperatures have fallen significantly below average, particularly in North Interior Odisha, while many sections of North Coastal and South Odisha have below-normal minimum temperatures. Rourkela had the lowest minimum temperature of 6.7°C, emphasizing the severity of the cold period in the plains.
Despite the substantial drop in temperatures, dry weather is predicted to continue in Odisha for the next few days, with no major synoptic system influencing the region. Moderate fog was reported at one or two places in Kalahandi district, while morning fog or mist is likely in Bhubaneswar and nearby areas, followed by a mainly clear sky later in the day. The state capital is expected to witness temperatures hovering around 28°C during the day and 12°C at night.
The IMD predicts that there will be no significant change in minimum temperatures over the following four to five days, implying that chilly weather may prevail. Farmers have also been asked to exercise caution, since cold wave conditions may harm crops in the affected districts.
There are no weather warnings for fisherman along the Odisha coast for the next five days. The IMD has encouraged the public to be informed about official predictions and advisories as the cold wave continues to grip the state.
