Bhubaneswar: Odisha is experiencing its harshest winter spell this year, with several cities recording their lowest temperatures in decades.
January 9 and January 10, 2026, are etched in Odisha’s history as days of record-breaking cold temperatures.
According to weather scientist Uma Shankar Dash, Jharsuguda recorded its coldest night in 73 years, with the mercury dipping to 4.5°C, while Bhubaneswar experienced its coldest night in 22 years, with a temperature of 9.2°C. Moreover, Angul experienced its third-lowest January temperature at 6°C.
Other cities that witnessed record lows on January 9 include Cuttack, which recorded its coldest night in 23 years at 8.6°C.
Rourkela also made headlines, recording a bone-chilling 3.6°C, making it the fourth coldest city in India on January 9.
The cold wave has disrupted daily life, with dense fog and low visibility affecting road traffic and morning commuters.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributes the cold wave to dry and cold northerly winds blowing towards Odisha. While there’s no immediate respite, temperatures are expected to rise by 2-3°C after January 11.
