Bhubaneswar, Dec 12: An intense cold wave swept across several parts of Odisha on Friday, with the state recording its season’s lowest temperature of 3.1°C at G Udayagiri, a hill station in Kandhamal district, informed the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

The weathermen said that the chill has gripped large swathes of the state, severely affecting normal life.

Mercury dips across districts

At least 15 places in 11 districts reported minimum temperatures below 10°C. Semiliguda in Koraput followed closely at 3.6°C, while Phulbani and Daringbadi in Kandhamal recorded 5.5°C and 6.5°C respectively. Other towns such as Chipilima (6.6°C), Rourkela (7.2°C), Jharsuguda (7.1°C), Bhawanipatna (7.5°C), Koraput (8.1°C), Kirei in Sundergarh (8.4°C), Angul (8.6°C), Bolangir (9°C), Nabarangpur (9.2°C), Sundergarh and Keonjhar (9.6°C each) also witnessed sharp drops.

Twin cities shiver

The capital city Bhubaneswar recorded 12.6°C, while Cuttack registered 11.8°C. Though relatively higher than the hill stations, the chill has disrupted daily routines, with residents reporting biting cold during early mornings and late evenings.

IMD forecast and warning

The IMD has predicted no major change in night temperatures for the next 6–7 days. Shallow to moderate fog is expected in Sundergarh, Kandhamal, and Kalahandi districts. Cold wave conditions are likely to prevail in isolated pockets of Angul, Jharsuguda, and Kalahandi over the next two days. A Yellow Warning has been issued for these districts, urging residents to remain cautious.

Impact on daily life

The cold wave has led to reduced outdoor activity, with schools and offices reporting lower attendance. Health officials have advised vulnerable groups, especially children and the elderly, to take precautions against respiratory ailments and hypothermia.

IMD said Cold wave conditions are very likely to prevail in isolated pockets over the districts of Angul, Jharsuguda, Kalahandi for next two days. it issued a yellow warning for these three districts during the next two days.