Expect visibility issues and colder nights during the next week
Residents across Odisha are bracing for a double whammy of biting cold and blinding fog as the winter season intensifies. The latest Odisha weather update from the Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar indicates that the state is entering a particularly chilly phase. Not only is the mercury expected to slide further, but a thick blanket of fog is also set to disrupt daily life and transportation for the next several days.
Immediate Fog Alerts and Warnings
According to the official forecast, the state has been placed under a high-alert status for fog. During the first two days of this cycle, a dense fog warning is in effect for isolated pockets across a majority of the districts. Commuters and drivers are advised to be extremely cautious during the early morning hours when visibility is expected to be at its lowest.
For Day 1, districts including Kandhamal, Koraput, Bolangir, Boudh, Puri, Khordha, and Cuttack are likely to experience shallow to moderate fog, with some areas seeing much denser patches. This trend continues into Day 2, affecting coastal and interior belts alike, specifically targeting regions like Nayagarh, Dhenkanal, Ganjam, and Mayurbhanj. While the intensity may slightly shift from Day 3 to Day 5, the visibility alert remains relevant for northern and coastal districts such as Keonjhar, Balasore, and Bhadrak.
Sharp Dip in Night Temperatures
The most significant part of the current Odisha weather update is the predicted fall in night temperatures. The IMD has confirmed that the minimum temperature is very likely to fall by 4°C over the next four days. This gradual slide will push the state into a deeper Odisha cold wave condition, with no large change expected immediately after this period.
Real-time data already shows the onset of this chill. Daringbadi, often called the Kashmir of Odisha, recently recorded a bone-chilling 8.5°C, while Jharsuguda in the plains followed closely at 8.8°C. Conversely, Bargarh recorded the state's highest maximum at 29.8°C, showcasing a wide diurnal temperature range that can impact public health.
Impact on Daily Life and Travel
The realized weather over the last 24 hours has already shown the severity of the situation. Boudh reported "Very Dense Fog" with visibility dropping below 50 meters, effectively bringing traffic to a standstill. Similar "Dense Fog" conditions were observed in Bolangir, Koraput, and Phulbani.
In the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, the minimum temperatures have hovered around 16.9 °C and 13.8 °C respectively. While dry weather currently prevails across the state, the combination of falling temperatures and high moisture levels is creating ideal conditions for sustained morning haze. Authorities recommend that travelers use fog lights, maintain safe distances between vehicles, and avoid high-speed driving on highways where visibility is unpredictable.
