Argus News - Odisha Freezes as Mercury Dips, G Udayagiri Records 5.4°C

Bhubaneswar, Nov 17: Odisha is witnessing a sharp fall in temperatures as winter intensifies across the state. Kandhamal district is experiencing bone-chilling cold, with minimum temperatures dropping below 10°C.

On Monday, G. Udayagiri recorded the lowest temperature at 5.4°C, making it the coldest town in the state. Daringbadi registered 7°C, while Phulbani recorded 8°C. Just a day earlier, G. Udayagiri had reported 5.8°C.

Bhubaneswar, on the other hand, broke a 25-year cold record. The capital city on Sunday recorded a night temperature of 12.9 degrees Celsius. Since the year 2000, the night temperature in Bhubaneswar had never touched 12 degrees in November.

The biting cold has made it difficult for residents to step outdoors, forcing many to light fires to keep warm. Dense fog and chilly winds have further disrupted normal life.

In Mayurbhanj district, Similipal too reported freezing conditions. Upper Barahakamuda recorded a minimum of 4°C, the lowest in the region. According to reports from the Similipal Tiger Reserve, Chahala registered 6°C, Naana 7°C, Barehipani 8°C, and Gudugudia 9°C. These figures highlight the severity of the cold wave sweeping across northern Odisha.

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The twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar also felt the chill, with temperatures dipping to 13°C for the first time this season. On Monday morning, Cuttack recorded 13.4°C.

At 5:30 AM on Monday, the capital city’s temperature stood at 14.2°C, continuing a downward trend over the past three days: 15°C on November 15, 14.8°C on November 16, and 14.2°C on November 17. Meteorologists have attributed the fall to north-western winds, warning that temperatures may drop further in the coming days.

Night temperatures across major towns also reflected the cold wave. Jharsuguda recorded 9.8°C, Rourkela 10°C, Keonjhar 11°C, Sambalpur 13.4°C, Chandbali and Hirakud 15°C, Paradip 15.2°C, Gopalpur 15.6°C, Balasore 15.7°C, and Puri 17.5°C.

With the mercury dipping steadily, residents across Odisha are bracing for harsher winter conditions.