Odisha is expected to remain under the grip of a severe cold wave for at least two more weeks, as dry and chilly winds continue to sweep across the state. IMD meteorologist Umashankar Das reported that minimum temperatures have fallen below 10°C in most regions, with 24 locations recording extremely low night temperatures in the last 24 hours. G Udayagiri in Kandhamal district registered a chilling 2.5°C, the lowest minimum temperature of the season. Other cold hotspots include Semiliguda at 3.2°C, Phulbani at 5°C, Rourkela at 5.4°C, and Jharsuguda at 5.8°C.
The capital city, Bhubaneswar, recorded 9.4°C — its coldest January night in 13 years, last seen in 2012 when temperatures dipped to 9.3°C. IMD officials state that the cold spell will intensify further for the next two days, after which a slight rise in temperature is expected. A cold wave warning has already been issued across the state as residents brace for continued chilly conditions.
