Cold Wave in Kandhamal: Temperatures Drop Below 5°C, Fog Disrupts Daily Life
Kandhamal district in Odisha is reeling under severe cold wave conditions as temperatures have plummeted sharply across the region.
According to local weather reports, G. Udayagiri recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 5°C, while Phulbani, the district headquarters, registered 7.5°C. Daringbadi, popularly known as the “Kashmir of Odisha,” reported a low of 8°C. Other elevated and hilly areas experienced even harsher conditions, with temperatures falling 2–3 degrees lower than those recorded in Phulbani.
Adding to the discomfort, dense fog has enveloped large parts of the district during early morning hours, reducing visibility until 9–10 am. This has disrupted commuting, schooling, and local transport services.
The prolonged cold spell has forced residents to limit outdoor movement, particularly in the mornings. Families are relying heavily on warm clothing, blankets, and firewood to cope with the biting cold.
Health officials have urged residents—especially children, senior citizens, and those with pre-existing health conditions—to take precautions as the cold wave is expected to continue in the coming days.
Authorities have advised people to stay indoors during peak cold hours, use protective gear, and remain alert to weather updates as Kandhamal braces for one of its harshest winters in recent years.
