Cold Wave Grips Odisha, Similipal Records Sub-Zero Temperature

Bhubaneswar: The cold wave tightened its grip across Odisha on Wednesday, with minimum temperatures plunging sharply in several interior and northern districts. Hill ranges and forested regions experienced the harshest conditions, while urban centres were not spared from the biting chill.

The coldest temperature in the state was recorded at Similipal National Park, where the mercury dropped to minus 1 degree Celsius, marking one of the lowest readings of the current winter season. The severe cold in the forested hill region highlights the intensity of the prevailing cold wave.

Several towns across Odisha reported minimum temperatures at or below 10 degrees Celsius. Rourkela shivered at 6°C, followed closely by Jharsuguda at 6.4°C and Phulabani at 7°C. Angul and Sundargarh recorded 8.4°C, while Keonjhar stood at 8.8°C. The mercury dipped to 9.7°C in Dhenkanal, and Baripada and Daringbadi each recorded 10°C.

Other parts of the state also witnessed low night temperatures. Sambalpur and Bolangir recorded 10.2°C, Boudh 10.3°C, and Bhawanipatna 10.4°C. Coastal and southern districts saw slightly higher readings, with Bhubaneswar at 12.1°C, Cuttack at 11.4°C, Puri at 15.6°C, and Chatrapur at 15.8°C.

According to weather officials, cold wave conditions are likely to persist across Odisha till January 17. A gradual rise in minimum temperatures is expected from January 18, owing to the influence of a western disturbance, which may bring partial relief from the prevailing cold spell.