Plunging temperatures bring intense cold wave to various Odisha districts
Odisha is currently experiencing a severe winter chill as the minimum temperature forecast indicates a significant drop in mercury across several districts. The Meteorological Centre Bhubaneswar has issued a detailed five-day outlook, highlighting a mix of bone-chilling nights and misty mornings that will impact daily life across the state.
January 10: The Peak of the Chill
On Saturday, the state will face some of its coldest conditions this season. Rourkela is expected to be the coldest spot with a shivering 4°C, followed closely by Jharsuguda and Phulbani at 5°C. Residents in Sundergarh and Bhawanipatna should also prepare for a cold night with temperatures hovering around 6°C and 7°C respectively.
January 11: Marginal Rise in Temperature
By Sunday, while the intense cold persists, there is a slight upward trend in temperatures. Rourkela will see a minor rise to 6°C, while Phulbani stays steady at 7°C. Northern districts like Sundergarh will record around 8°C. Most other parts of the state will maintain a minimum range between 10°C and 14°C.
January 12 to January 14: Persistent Winter Conditions
Through the middle of the week, the weather remains consistently cold but stable. Between Monday and Wednesday, the minimum temperatures in the interior districts like Phulbani and Rourkela will fluctuate between 7°C and 8°C. Coastal belts, including Puri and Gopalpur, will experience relatively milder nights with temperatures ranging from 13°C to 15°C.
Residents of the Twin Cities need to stay cautious. On January 9 and 10, both Cuttack and Bhubaneswar are under a cold wave alert. In Cuttack, the mercury is expected to dip as low as 8°C, while Bhubaneswar will record a minimum of 9°C.
From January 11 onwards, the cold wave will subside, but it will be replaced by dense fog and mist during the early morning hours. The sky is expected to remain mainly clear later in the day, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 28°C, providing some relief from the morning chill.
With the Odisha Weather Update predicting fog/mist for the next seven days in urban areas, commuters are advised to drive carefully during the early hours. The sharp contrast between the 28°C daytime highs and 10°C nighttime lows requires residents to dress in layers to avoid seasonal illnesses.
