Winter Tightens Grip: Similiguda Shivers at 5.2°C as Fog Envelops Odisha

Winter has firmly established its presence across Odisha, bringing a sharp drop in night temperatures and enveloping several districts in a thick layer of fog. The Regional Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar has released the latest Odisha weather forecast, indicating that the chill is intensifying, particularly in the interior and hilly regions of the state.

Coldest Spots and Temperature Drops

According to the data released on December 16, 2025, the hill station of Similiguda recorded the state's lowest minimum temperature, plummeting to a freezing 5.2°C. The plains were not spared from the cold either, with Phulbani recording the lowest minimum temperature in that category at 7.0°C.

The Twin Cities also experienced a cool night. Bhubaneswar recorded a minimum temperature of 14.2°C, while Cuttack was slightly cooler at 13.0°C. On the other end of the spectrum, Paralakhemundi registered the highest maximum temperature in the state at 30.4°C.

Fog Warnings and Visibility

Visibility has become a major concern for commuters. The IMD has issued a 'Yellow Warning' for isolated dense fog, valid from the morning of December 17 to the morning of December 18. The districts of Sundergarh, Kandhamal, and Koraput are specifically advised to be on alert, as visibility is expected to range between 50 and 200 meters.

Observations from the past 24 hours show that Rourkela was hit hardest, recording "Very Dense Fog" with visibility dropping below 50 meters. Dense fog was also reported in Phulbani and Koraput, while Jharsuguda and Bhawanipatna experienced moderate foggy conditions.

Residents are advised to drive with caution during early morning hours and stay updated with the latest weather bulletins as dry weather continues to prevail over the rest of the districts.