Winter continues with dense fog warnings across several Odisha districts

Residents across the state should prepare for a misty start to 2026 as the latest Odisha Weather Update from the Meteorological Centre, Bhubaneswar, indicates a mix of dense fog and a gradual shift in night temperatures. While the bone-chilling cold is slightly easing, visibility remains a primary concern for travelers and daily commuters during the early morning hours.

Rising Night Temperatures

According to the IMD, the state is set to witness a gradual rise in minimum temperatures by 2-3°C over the next five days. This trend suggests that the peak intensity of the current cold wave may soften as we transition into the first week of January. Currently, G. Udayagiri remains the coldest spot in the state, recording a low of 4.3°C, followed by Phulbani at 6.0°C. In the capital city of Bhubaneswar, the minimum temperature was recorded at 14.0°C with visibility dropping to 800 meters.

Five-Day Fog Forecast

The fog situation is expected to be persistent. For the next 24 hours (Day 1), shallow to moderate fog is very likely in districts including Khordha, Puri, Cuttack, and several others. Nayagarh recently experienced "Very Dense Fog" where visibility plummeted below 50 meters.

As we move toward the New Year:

• December 31 to January 1: Isolated pockets in districts like Balasore, Bhadrak, and Ganjam will continue to see moderate fog.
• January 1 to January 3: The blanket of mist will expand to include Rayagada and Koraput, potentially affecting visibility on highways.
• January 4 onwards: While the temperature will stabilize after the initial 2-3°C rise, fog will still be a factor in coastal and interior pockets.

Safety Precautions

With "Dense Fog" warnings active for regions like Rourkela and Dhenkanal, drivers are advised to use fog lights and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. Dry weather is expected to prevail across most districts, making the early morning air crisp but potentially hazardous for those on the road.