Bhubaneswar: A significant cold wave has firmly settled over the state of Odisha, leading to a sharp and noticeable drop in temperatures across numerous districts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reports that this intense cold spell has sent night-time temperatures plunging significantly below seasonal averages, with as many as twenty-one different locations recording minimum temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius. 
The picturesque town of Daringbadi in Kandhamal district has earned the distinction of being the coldest spot in the state. On Wednesday, it recorded a frigid low of 8.5 degrees Celsius. Close behind was G. Udayagiri in the same district, which saw the mercury drop to 8.7 degrees Celsius. These figures highlight the severity of the current weather system affecting the region.
A State Shivering Under Below-Normal Temperatures
The cold has not been limited to a single area. Data from the IMD reveals a widespread dip in temperatures, affecting many parts of the state. Phulbani recorded a chilly 10 degrees Celsius, while industrial hubs like Rourkela and Jharsuguda also felt the bite, registering 10.5°C and 10.6°C respectively. Other areas reporting notably low temperatures include Chipilima in Sambalpur at 10.9°C, Kirei in Sundergarh at 11.3°C, and Keonjhar at 12.4°C.
The IMD has emphasized that these are not just cold readings but represent a substantial deviation from the norm. In several parts of Odisha, the current night-time temperatures are running 3 to 6 degrees Celsius below what is typical for this time of year. For instance, Jharsuguda's temperature was a full 6 degrees below normal, and Angul, which recorded 12.6°C, was 5.2 degrees below its average. Even major urban centers like Bhubaneswar and Cuttack experienced temperatures that were 3 to 4 degrees cooler than usual.
Cause and Weather Forecast
Meteorologists attribute this sharp temperature drop to dry northwesterly winds that have been blowing across the state since late Tuesday night. These winds, originating from cooler inland regions, have effectively swept away any residual moisture and have led to clear skies, which in turn promote greater heat loss at night.
Unfortunately for residents hoping for warmth, the weather office predicts that these challenging conditions will persist. The cold wave is likely to continue for at least the next three days, with little immediate respite in sight. The forecast indicates predominantly dry weather, which will allow the cold wave to maintain its grip on the state.
However, there is a glimmer of relief on the horizon. After this three-day period, the IMD anticipates a gradual rise in minimum temperatures across Odisha. The expected increase is around 3 to 4 degrees Celsius, which should bring some moderate relief from the intense cold currently being experienced.
Until then, authorities are advising people, especially the elderly, children, and those living in exposed areas, to take necessary precautions against the cold. The persistent cold wave serves as a stark reminder of the winter season's peak, impacting daily life and routines throughout Odisha.
The picturesque town of Daringbadi in Kandhamal district has earned the distinction of being the coldest spot in the state. On Wednesday, it recorded a frigid low of 8.5 degrees Celsius. Close behind was G. Udayagiri in the same district, which saw the mercury drop to 8.7 degrees Celsius. These figures highlight the severity of the current weather system affecting the region.
A State Shivering Under Below-Normal Temperatures
The cold has not been limited to a single area. Data from the IMD reveals a widespread dip in temperatures, affecting many parts of the state. Phulbani recorded a chilly 10 degrees Celsius, while industrial hubs like Rourkela and Jharsuguda also felt the bite, registering 10.5°C and 10.6°C respectively. Other areas reporting notably low temperatures include Chipilima in Sambalpur at 10.9°C, Kirei in Sundergarh at 11.3°C, and Keonjhar at 12.4°C.
The IMD has emphasized that these are not just cold readings but represent a substantial deviation from the norm. In several parts of Odisha, the current night-time temperatures are running 3 to 6 degrees Celsius below what is typical for this time of year. For instance, Jharsuguda's temperature was a full 6 degrees below normal, and Angul, which recorded 12.6°C, was 5.2 degrees below its average. Even major urban centers like Bhubaneswar and Cuttack experienced temperatures that were 3 to 4 degrees cooler than usual.
Cause and Weather Forecast
Meteorologists attribute this sharp temperature drop to dry northwesterly winds that have been blowing across the state since late Tuesday night. These winds, originating from cooler inland regions, have effectively swept away any residual moisture and have led to clear skies, which in turn promote greater heat loss at night.
Unfortunately for residents hoping for warmth, the weather office predicts that these challenging conditions will persist. The cold wave is likely to continue for at least the next three days, with little immediate respite in sight. The forecast indicates predominantly dry weather, which will allow the cold wave to maintain its grip on the state.
However, there is a glimmer of relief on the horizon. After this three-day period, the IMD anticipates a gradual rise in minimum temperatures across Odisha. The expected increase is around 3 to 4 degrees Celsius, which should bring some moderate relief from the intense cold currently being experienced.
Until then, authorities are advising people, especially the elderly, children, and those living in exposed areas, to take necessary precautions against the cold. The persistent cold wave serves as a stark reminder of the winter season's peak, impacting daily life and routines throughout Odisha.
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