Odisha Cold Wave 2026: 11 Cities Below 10°C, IMD Issues Warning
Odisha continues to reel under a severe cold wave, with night temperatures dipping below 10°C in 11 cities. G. Udayagiri recorded the lowest at 5.2°C, followed by Rourkela at 6.6°C. The twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack also experienced chilly nights, with minimum temperatures of 11.8°C and 10.4°C, respectively.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), dry weather and north-westerly winds will keep the cold spell intact for the next two days. Shallow fog is expected in some areas during early mornings.
Relief is likely from Friday night, when temperatures may rise by 2–4°C above normal.
A yellow warning has been issued for eight districts, urging residents to take precautions against the biting cold.
Meanwhile, Odisha’s weather forecasting capabilities are set to improve significantly, with IMD announcing the installation of new Doppler radars in Sambalpur (by March 2026), Balasore and Bhubaneswar (by the end of 2026), and Puri (by 2027).
These radars will enhance cyclone detection, rainfall prediction, and disaster preparedness.
IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra emphasised the importance of radar technology, recalling its crucial role during Cyclone Fani, when timely forecasts enabled mass evacuations and saved countless lives.
