The cold spell in Odisha has intensified, with nighttime temperatures dropping further in numerous sections of the state over the last 24 hours. At least seven locations in the state experienced night temperatures (minimum temperatures) of less than 10°C, while 12 locations recorded minimum temperatures of less than 15°C.
The strong coldness over the state, particularly in the hilly regions, is caused by cold air streaming from the north-northwest. According to the regional headquarters of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Bhubaneswar, the cold will likely worsen and last till December 17.
G Udaygiri in Kandhamal district had the coldest minimum temperature of 7.5°C on Thursday, followed by Phulbani (8.5°C) in the plains, Kirei (8.7°C) in Sundargarh, and Semiliguda (8.7°C).
Similarly, in the hills, Daringbari reported a minimum temperature of (9.5°C), followed by Koraput (9.8°C) and Rourkela (9.7°C).
Keonjhar (10.4°C), Sundargarh (10.5°C), Angul (10.6°C), and Jharsuguda (10.8°C) also saw minimum temperatures around 10°C.
The minimum temperatures recorded in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack were (15.23°C) and 14.5°C), respectively.
The IMD predicts that the weather will continue dry across the state for the next week. At the same time, most places are likely to have shallow to dense fog in the morning.