The Odisha capital witnessed an intense cold wave as Bhubaneswar recorded a minimum temperature of 9.2 degrees Celsius, marking the coldest night in the city in the last 22 years. The sharp drop in temperature has left residents bracing against severe winter conditions.

On the other hand, Jharasuguda emerged as the coldest location in the state, recording a minimum temperature of 6.2 degrees Celsius at around 5.30 am on Saturday. The cold wave conditions prevailed across several interior and coastal districts, indicating the widespread impact of the cold wave.

Keonjhar recorded a minimum temperature of 9 degrees Celsius, while Bhubaneswar later settled at 10.2 degrees Celsius. Balasore registered 11.6 degrees, Chandbali 12 degrees, and Paradip recorded 12.4 degrees Celsius.

Southern coastal regions also experienced a chill, with Gopalpur recording 14.2 degrees Celsius, while the holy town of Puri registered a minimum temperature of 15 degrees Celsius.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that biting cold is likely to persist for the next two weeks due to the influx of dry and cold northerly winds.

According to IMD officials, Severe Cold Wave conditions are likely to persist till January 11. In view of the prevailing weather situation, a Yellow Warning has been issued in five districts for Saturday, which include Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Cuttack, Khordha, and Angul.

Residents have been advised to take precautions, especially during the night and early morning hours, as the cold spell is expected to continue.