Bhubaneswar, Jan 15: Odisha continues to reel under an intense cold wave, with chilly conditions prevailing across the state. The cold spell is expected to persist for the next two days. The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow warning for 11 districts for today, while fog is likely in 13 districts over the next three days.

Cold and dry winds blowing from the north and north-west have intensified due to an active high-pressure system over central India, leading to a sharp drop in night temperatures. The cold wave is likely to affect the entire state until January 17. However, under the influence of a western disturbance, weather conditions are expected to turn cloudy from January 18, which may bring some relief as temperatures rise.

According to the weather department, Rourkela and Jharsuguda may record minimum temperatures of around 5°C, while Phulbani may see 6°C. Angul, Keonjhar, and Sundargarh are likely to record around 7°C. In most parts of the state, minimum temperatures are expected to remain below 10°C or slightly above.

On Friday, severe cold conditions are likely to be felt across large parts of interior and coastal Odisha. Moisture levels in the atmosphere have decreased, further intensifying the cold.

G. Udayagiri recorded a minimum temperature below 4°C, making it the coldest location in the state. Jharsuguda reported a minimum temperature of 6.4°C, which is 5.7°C below normal. Angul recorded temperatures 5.6°C below normal, while Cuttack and Bhubaneswar witnessed drops of 3°C and 3.1°C respectively. Minimum temperatures fell below 10°C in seven cities across the state.