Bhubaneswar, Dec 24: Cold weather conditions across Odisha are expected to intensify after Christmas, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting a fresh and stronger spell of cold from December 25 onwards.

According to the Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre, the cold wave is likely to strengthen due to an increased flow of dry and cold north-westerly winds over the state. Weather experts also cited the weakening and departure of a western disturbance as a key factor that may lead to a further drop in night temperatures across several districts. The cold winds from the north-west are expected to sweep across the state, leading to a significant drop in temperatures. As a result, residents can expect intense winter conditions throughout Odisha.

The western disturbance, which had been influencing the region earlier, has now moved away. Previously, cold winds had been coming from the eastern direction, but with the change in wind pattern to the north-west, a sharp drop in temperatures is expected. Meteorologists predict that this will result in bone-chilling cold across the region.

Additionally, dense fog is expected to affect parts of Odisha, especially in the interior and southern regions, starting December 27. Areas such as Koraput, Nabarangpur, Phulbani, Rayagada, Bhawanipatna, Bolangir, Keonjhar, Sonepur, Rourkela, and Sundargarh will experience the impact of the cold wave, with nighttime temperatures predicted to drop below 10°C in these regions.

By December 28, the cold wave is expected to persist, with nighttime temperatures across most parts of Odisha remaining below 10°C, except for some coastal areas.

Residents are urged to take necessary precautions against the extreme cold, as the weather conditions are expected to worsen in the coming days.