Bhubaneswar, Nov 16: An intense cold wave continues to grip Odisha, with Semiliguda in Kandhamal district remaining the coldest spot for the second straight day at a frigid 6.5°C, closely followed by Daringibadi and G.Udayagiri, both logging 8°C.

Similarly, Phulbani registered 9.5°C, making it the third coldest town. Fog has enveloped several parts of Koraput’s hilly terrain, reducing visibility to nearly 100 meters in some areas and posing challenges for early-morning commuters.

Both North and South Odisha remain severely affected, with dry winds intensifying the chill, particularly in the northern region.

Coastal Odisha, though relatively warmer, is also experiencing a noticeable dip, with night temperatures 3–4°C below normal. The fall is even more pronounced in interior regions, where temperatures are 3–6°C below average, signaling a harsher phase of winter.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that temperatures are likely to dip further over the next 48 hours, extending the cold wave conditions across many parts of the state.

Several major towns across Odisha also witnessed a sharp dip in minimum temperatures, with Rourkela recording 10.2°C, Jharsuguda 10.6°C, and Kendujhar 10.8°C. The capital city of Bhubaneswar shivered at 13°C, which is 4.8°C below normal. Sambalpur logged 14.2°C, while Hirakud, Baleswar, and Gopalpur recorded 15.3°C, 15.4°C, and 15.7°C respectively. Coastal towns Chandbali and Paradip were only slightly warmer, each registering a minimum of 15.8°C, reflecting the widespread impact of the ongoing cold wave.

A total of 10 places recorded temperatures below 12°C, with Korei and Koraput shivering at 11.3°C, Bhawanipatna at 11.5°C, and Keonjhar at 11.6°C.

As the cold wave tightens its hold, authorities have advised people—especially the elderly, children, and those with chronic illnesses—to take necessary precautions and avoid early morning exposure to freezing conditions.