Severe Dense Fog Blankets Bhubaneswar on New Year’s Day
Bhubaneswar welcomed the New Year under a thick blanket of severe dense fog, with visibility plunging to near zero across several parts of the city on January 1, 2026.
Early‑morning commuters faced significant challenges as traffic slowed to a crawl, with vehicles relying on fog lights and hazard indicators to navigate safely. Pedestrians too struggled, as buildings and road signs were barely visible in the haze.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had forecast dense to very dense fog across Odisha, including Khurda district—where Bhubaneswar is located—along with Sundargarh and Kandhamal.
According to IMD bulletins, foggy mornings are expected to persist until at least January 5, with no major change in minimum temperatures during the initial days.
Local authorities have advised residents to avoid non‑essential travel during early morning hours and urged motorists to maintain low speeds and safe distances.
Similar conditions have been reported across northern and eastern India, where dense fog has disrupted flight schedules and highway traffic.
Meteorologists attribute the phenomenon to calm wind conditions and high moisture levels following the winter chill, a common occurrence in eastern India during January.
As temperatures rise later in the day, the fog is expected to gradually clear, giving way to partly cloudy skies.
While residents welcomed the New Year amid winter’s chill, weather officials caution that isolated foggy conditions may continue through the week, posing ongoing risks for commuters and travellers.
