Cold wave conditions have returned to Odisha, causing a sharp drop in night temperatures across several districts. As of 5:30 am on Tuesday, Jharsuguda recorded a minimum of 10°C, making it one of the coldest places in the state, followed by Keonjhar at 11°C and Chandbali at 13.8°C. Coastal areas were also affected, with Bhubaneswar dropping to 14°C and Balasore to 14.2°C.
The Meteorological Department attributed the fall in temperature to cold, dry winds blowing from the north and northwest, triggered by a pressure belt over central India. The ongoing influence of western disturbances is further intensifying the chill, and night temperatures are expected to continue falling over the next four to five days.
Severe cold and fog, which first gripped the state after the New Year, have disrupted normal life in many areas. While cities like Cuttack and Bhubaneswar are not currently foggy, temperatures in both are forecasted to drop by another 2–3°C during the night, remaining low for the next several days, officials said.
