Bhubaneswar, Dec 11: Bhubaneswar is reeling under an intense cold spell as temperatures continue to plunge. At 5:30 AM on Thursday, the capital recorded a minimum temperature of 13°C. Over the past 10 days, the mercury in the city has fallen by 9.6°C, a steep drop from 22.6°C recorded on the 1st of the month. Jharsuguda reported one of the lowest temperatures at 8.6°C. According to the Met Department, the severe cold conditions are expected to persist across the state, with little likelihood of immediate relief.

The weather office has forecast cold-wave conditions in isolated pockets of Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Angul, and Dhenkanal on Thursday and Friday. Dense fog is also likely in Sundargarh, Kandhamal, Koraput, Kalahandi, and Jharsuguda. Night temperatures in interior and southern Odisha may range between 10°C and 12°C.

Sundargarh district continues to experience bone-chilling cold. Residents are lighting bonfires at various places to protect themselves from the biting cold. Tea stalls are witnessing heavy footfall in the early hours as people gather to sip hot tea, warm their bodies, and engage in morning exercises to stay fit. Several regions in Sundargarh, including Rourkela and Koida, reported severe cold conditions. The drop in temperature has particularly affected the elderly, who are finding it increasingly difficult to cope. Despite the harsh weather, people can be seen enjoying the winter atmosphere in local markets and tea stalls.