Winter Chill Returns to Odisha as Minimum Temperatures Dip Across Districts

Bhubaneswar: The winter chill has tightened its grip on Odisha once again, with minimum temperatures dropping across several districts on Tuesday morning, bringing an end to a brief spell of milder nights caused by cloudy conditions.

After a short respite during which night temperatures rose due to overcast skies, the mercury has dipped following the clearing of clouds and the return of dry, cold northerly winds. The change has intensified cold wave conditions in parts of the state, particularly in interior and northern districts.

According to observations recorded at 5.30 am, Jharsuguda reported the lowest minimum temperature at 10°C, followed by Kendujhar (Keonjhar) at 11°C. Coastal areas also saw a decline, with Chandbali recording 13.8°C, Bhubaneswar 14°C and Balasore 14.2°C.

These readings mark a sharp fall compared to the warmer spell experienced a few days ago, when minimum temperatures in coastal and northern Odisha had risen by 5–7°C due to cloud cover. Interior districts such as Jharsuguda, which have already witnessed record-breaking lows earlier this winter, continue to bear the brunt of the cold wave.

The India Meteorological Department has indicated that cold wave conditions are likely to persist in isolated pockets of districts including Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Angul, Keonjhar and adjoining areas over the coming days. Residents have been advised to take necessary precautions against the prevailing cold conditions.