Odisha Shivers as Mercury Plunges Below 20°C; Cold Wave Alert Issued
Odisha is reeling under a sharp cold wave as temperatures dipped below 20°C across all districts, marking the second consecutive day of statewide chill. In the past 24 hours, 10 cities recorded minimum temperatures below 12°C, with Daringbadi hitting the lowest at 8°C.
Phulbani followed at 9°C, while Rourkela, Bhadrak, Angul, Jharsuguda, Keonjhar, Bhawanipatna, Koraput, and Nabarangpur also reported biting cold conditions.
The twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack are witnessing a steady decline in nighttime mercury. Bhubaneswar recorded 13°C, 6.4°C below normal, while Cuttack stood at 13.6°C, 5.1°C below normal.
Dense fog in Sundargarh and light fog in Kalahandi have disrupted early morning commuting, intensifying the chill across interior and southern Odisha.
According to the Regional Meteorological Centre, cold wave alerts have been issued for Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Angul, Cuttack, Khordha, and Kandhamal districts.
Coastal Odisha is also experiencing nighttime temperatures 3–4°C below normal, with further drops of 2–3°C expected within the week.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued heavy rainfall warnings for parts of southern India, including Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Rayalaseema, due to a low-pressure system brewing over the Bay of Bengal.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel during the downpours.
Relief from the cold wave is expected from Monday night, with temperatures projected to rise by 2–3°C, offering some respite to residents bundled against the chill.
