Severe Cold Wave Grips Odisha: Jharsuguda Records 15-Year December Low

Odisha continues to reel under an intense cold wave as minimum temperatures plunge across the state.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the biting chill will persist until the New Year, with no immediate relief in sight.

Over the past 24 hours, more than ten locations reported minimum temperatures below 10°C, while dense fog has blanketed several districts, disrupting daily life and vehicular movement.

Kandhamal emerged as the coldest district, with G. Udayagiri recording a bone-chilling 3.5°C—the lowest in Odisha. Daringbadi and Phulbani followed closely at around 6°C.

In western Odisha, Jharsuguda set a new record, registering 6.5°C—the lowest December temperature in the district in 15 years.

Meteorological data confirms this is the fourth-lowest December minimum ever recorded in Jharsuguda, underscoring the severity of the ongoing cold wave.

The IMD has forecast dense fog in Sundargarh, Sambalpur, Angul, Dhenkanal, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, and Nayagarh districts over the next five days.

Reduced visibility has already impacted traffic on highways and rural roads.

While cold night conditions are expected to continue until December 31, a slight rise of 2–3°C in nighttime temperatures may occur after the New Year, depending on changes in wind patterns and atmospheric circulation.