Large parts of Odisha woke up to dense fog on Thursday, as winter conditions continued to grip the state despite a slight easing in cold intensity. Poor visibility affected daily life across multiple districts, with motorists forced to slow down or halt movement during the early morning hours.

According to ground reports, thick fog enveloped both coastal and northern interior regions, including Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Sundargarh, Sambalpur, Angul, and Deogarh. In several locations, visibility dropped below 50 metres, posing serious challenges for commuters and transport operators.

Railway and aviation authorities remained on alert as foggy conditions disrupted normal operations and increased the risk of delays. Low-lying and rural areas were particularly affected, with visibility remaining poor well into the morning hours.

Cold Wave Conditions Ease Slightly

While fog intensified across much of the state, the intensity of the cold wave showed signs of marginal decline. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), cold conditions are expected to ease gradually over the coming days, though foggy mornings are likely to persist.

On Wednesday, G. Udayagiri recorded the lowest temperature in the state at 4.3°C, followed by Phulbani at 6°C and Daringbadi at 7°C. Meteorological data indicated that rural and hilly regions remained significantly colder than urban areas, with temperature differences of 2–3°C.

The IMD has forecast a slight rise in minimum temperatures over the next few days, depending on atmospheric conditions and wind patterns. However, residents have been advised to remain cautious during early morning and late-night hours due to continued low visibility.