Winter chills tighten grip across Odisha with dense fog alert

Bone-chilling cold has returned to haunt the state as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issues a significant cold wave warning Odisha for the next 72 hours. With the mercury plummeting to record lows in several interior pockets, residents are bracing for a week of extreme winter conditions characterized by thick fog and biting winds.

Current Weather Status

Data released on January 7, 2026, by the Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar reveals that Phulbani recorded the lowest minimum temperature in the plains at 5.0°C. Meanwhile, the hill station of G. Udayagiri shivered at a freezing 3.0°C. In contrast, the highest maximum temperature was recorded in Paralakhemundi at 28.8°C. Currently, "very dense fog" with visibility under 50 meters has already been reported in Boudh and Nayagarh, creating hazardous driving conditions.

Cold Wave and Temperature Forecast

According to the latest Odisha weather update, a yellow warning for cold wave conditions is active from Day 1 to Day 3. The specific districts under high alert include Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Koraput, Angul, Cuttack, and Jagatsinghpur.

The minimum temperature in Odisha is expected to remain stable with "no large change" for the next three days. However, a slight reprieve is expected thereafter, as night temperatures are projected to rise by 2-3°C during the subsequent two days. This temporary warmth will be short-lived, as the IMD predicts a gradual fall in temperature again after that period.

Comprehensive Fog Forecast (Day-Wise)

The IMD Bhubaneswar fog forecast highlights a persistent blanket of mist across the state for the next five days:

• Day 1 (Valid until 08:30 hrs on 08.01.2026): Shallow to moderate fog is very likely in isolated pockets of Khordha, Puri, Nayagarh, Gajapati, Ganjam, Bhadrak, Kendrapada, Jajpur, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Balasore, Dhenkanal, Boudh, Koraput, Kandhamal, Jharsuguda, Kalahandi, Sundargarh, Mayurbhanj, and Keonjhar. A special "Dense Fog Warning" is issued for isolated pockets in Boudh, Nayagarh, Koraput, and Kandhamal.
• Day 2 (08.01.2026 to 09.01.2026): Foggy conditions will persist in Khordha, Puri, Nayagarh, Gajapati, Ganjam, Bhadrak, Kendrapada, Jajpur, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Balasore, Dhenkanal, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Deogarh, Sambalpur, and Angul.
• Day 3 to Day 5 (09.01.2026 to 12.01.2026): Visibility remains a concern in Nayagarh, Bhadrak, Kendrapada, Jajpur, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Balasore, Sundargarh, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Angul, Dhenkanal, Sambalpur, and Jharsuguda.

Safety and Travel Advisory

While Day 4 to Day 7 carry no specific severe weather warnings, the initial 48 to 72 hours are critical. The combination of dense fog in Odisha and the cold wave poses risks to commuters and the elderly. Travel on highways, particularly in districts like Boudh and Nayagarh, should be avoided during late-night and early-morning hours when visibility drops below 50 meters.

As the winter chill intensifies, stay tuned for further winter alerts for Odisha districts to manage your daily schedule and travel plans effectively.