Argus News - Odisha Shivers as Temperature Drops Across the State

Bhubaneswar, Dec 14: Odisha continues to reel under an intense cold wave, with temperatures dipping sharply across the state and turning the winter season into both a challenge and a celebration.

As the mercury drops, picnic season has reached its peak, with people flocking to the coldest destinations for bonfires, overnight camping, music, and food. This year, the chill has been particularly severe, drawing attention to the state’s coldest regions.

According to the Regional Meteorological Centre, as many as 16 cities in Odisha are currently recording temperatures below 10°C.

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G Udayagiri has emerged as the coldest location, registering a biting 3.1°C. Semiliguda followed closely at 4.6°C, while Phulbani, Daringbadi, Koraput, Chipilima, Rourkela, Jharsuguda, Angul, and Kirei also reported significantly low temperatures.

The influence of western disturbances has intensified the cold, causing night temperatures to fall further. Over the past week, the cold wave has tightened its grip on the state, leaving residents struggling with bone‑chilling conditions. Except for Puri, almost the entire state is experiencing temperatures below 15°C.

Dense fog has added to the discomfort, especially in Rourkela, where thick morning fog has reduced visibility and disrupted traffic. Bhubaneswar recorded a minimum temperature of 12.6°C, while Cuttack stood at 12.4°C. Light fog and clear skies are expected in the coming days, with nighttime temperatures hovering around 13°C.

The severe cold has also triggered health concerns. Elderly people, children, and those with existing illnesses are particularly vulnerable, while many others are reporting cold‑related allergies, cough, and fever.

On Friday, G. Udayagiri once again topped the list of coldest places, followed by Semiliguda at 3.6°C and several other regions recording temperatures between 5°C and 7.5°C.

The Meteorological Centre has issued a yellow warning for parts of Angul, Jharsuguda, and Kalahandi, anticipating cold‑wave conditions. The cold spell is expected to continue for the next 6-7 days, with daytime temperatures around 29°C and nighttime temperatures near 12°C.