The cold wave that has been sweeping across Odisha has worsened, with at least 11 locations in the state registering lowest temperatures of 10°C or lower in the last 24 hours due to cold winds blowing from the north-northwest. According to the regional center of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Bhubaneswar, 30 sites in the state recorded minimum temperatures of less than 15°C, with most places experiencing shallow to deep fog.
Udayagiri in Odisha’s Kandhamal district had the coldest night of the year last night, with a low of 6.5°C.
Other places that recorded minimum temperatures of below 10°C include Kirei (7.0°C), Phulbani (8.5°C), Koraput (8.7°C), Keonjhar (8.8°C), Sundargarh (9.0°C), Jharsuguda (9.2°C), Daringbadi (9.5°C), Angul (9.6°C), Rourkela (9.6°C), and Ranitaal (10°C). The minimum temperature in the Similipal Reserve Forest was around 1°C-2°C.
The minimum temperatures in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar were 13.5° C and 13.8° C, respectively.
The severe cold in numerous parts of Odisha has disrupted regular living, as shallow to deep fog has formed in several parts of the state, significantly affecting visibility.
The weather is expected to remain unchanged for the next 3-4 days, according to the weather service, adding that some areas of the state may receive light rain on December 21 and 22 due to western disturbances.