Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday issued a yellow warning for cold wave conditions in parts of Odisha, cautioning residents to remain alert as temperatures continue to fall across the state.
According to the Midday Weather Bulletin released by the Meteorological Centre, Bhubaneswar, cold wave conditions are very likely to prevail in isolated pockets of Jharsuguda, Angul and Boudh districts till the morning of January 13. The warning has been extended for subsequent days, with similar conditions expected to persist in these districts till January 14. From January 14 to January 15, the cold wave is likely to impact a wider belt, including Sundargarh, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Khordha, Angul, Dhenkanal, Kendrapada and Boudh.
The bulletin noted a marked fall in minimum temperatures by about 5°C at one or two places, while a fall of 2–4°C was observed at several other locations. Night temperatures have dipped significantly below normal, especially in North Interior Odisha, while many parts of North Coastal and South Odisha are also experiencing below-normal minimum temperatures. Rourkela recorded the lowest minimum temperature of 6.7°C, highlighting the severity of the cold spell in the plains.
Despite the sharp dip in temperatures, dry weather conditions are expected to prevail across Odisha over the next few days, with no significant synoptic system influencing the region. Moderate fog was reported at one or two places in Kalahandi district, while morning fog or mist is likely in Bhubaneswar and nearby areas, followed by a mainly clear sky later in the day. The state capital is expected to witness temperatures hovering around 28°C during the day and 12°C at night.
The IMD has indicated that there will be no large change in minimum temperatures over the next four to five days, suggesting that cold conditions may persist. Farmers have also been advised to remain cautious, as cold wave conditions could affect crops in the warned districts.
No weather warnings have been issued for fishermen along the Odisha coast for the next five days. The IMD has urged the public to stay updated with official forecasts and advisories as the cold wave continues to grip the state.
