Bhubaneswar: Winter chill has gripped the entire Odisha as the minimum temperatures (night temperatures) dropped sharply during the last 24 hours under the influence of north-northwest winds. At the same time, shallow to dense fog occurred in several parts of the state reducing visibility significantly.
According to the regional center of the India Meteorology Department (IMD) in Bhubaneswar, at least 11 places in Odisha recorded night temperatures of below 10°C, while the night temperatures in 23 other places were below 15°C. Phulbani was the coldest place in the state on Saturday night recording 8°C.
Other places that recorded night temperature below 10°C include Kirei (8.2°C), G. Udaygiri (8.6°C), Rourkela (8.8°C), Angul (9°C), Ranitaal (9.4°C), Daringbadi (9.4°C), Sundargarh (9.5°C), Keonjhar (9.6°C), Koraput (9.6°C), and Jharsuguda (9.8°C).
The minimum temperature in the capital city Bhubaneswar was 13.4°C, while Cuttack recorded 13.5°C.
According to the weather office, the cold wave sweeping Odisha is likely to continue till December 17 and there will be some respite thereafter owing to the influence of western disturbances.
In general, the weather across the state will remain dry but some places may experience light rain from December 22.