Odisha shivers under cold wave

Baripada: The temperature in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha, has plummeted to minus 1 degree Celsius, as the state grapples with a severe cold wave. The region is also experiencing heavy fog, with Similipal recording zero degrees Celsius for the past two days. Other areas, including Chahala and Gudigudia, have recorded temperatures of 2 degrees Celsius, while several parts of Similipal have witnessed snowfall.

The cold wave is not limited to Mayurbhanj, as Jharsuguda district is also experiencing extreme cold conditions, with temperatures reaching 5.6 degrees Celsius by 5 am today. The capital city, Bhubaneswar, has recorded a temperature of 11.6 degrees Celsius.

According to forecasts, the weather will remain dry for the next 15 days, with temperatures in North Interior and South Interior Odisha remaining 5 to 6 degrees below normal. South Coastal Odisha is also experiencing rare temperatures, ranging from 2 to 3 degrees Celsius.

A yellow warning has been issued for cold waves in 11 districts, with fog expected to increase from January 12th, potentially leading to dense fog until January 14th (Makara Sankranti).

Temperatures have dropped significantly in Mayurbhanj, with mercury reaching zero degrees in Shimlipal and Kamuda, and 2 degrees in Chahala and 5 degrees in Berehipani. The cold wave is impacting daily life, with residents struggling to cope with the extreme conditions.