IMD warns of continued cold wave conditions in Odisha until December 17

Bhubaneswar, Dec 16: A cold wave is gripping Odisha, resulting in temperatures dropping below 10°C in 12 locations over the past 24 hours. G. Udayagiri recorded the lowest temperature at 4.8°C, followed by Rourkela at 5.7°C.

Other areas experiencing significant chill include Phulbani (7°C), Jharsuguda (7.1°C), Daringbadi (7.5°C), and Bhawanipatna (7.8°C). Angul registered 8°C, Keonjhar 8.8°C, Sundargarh 9°C, and Jagatsinghpur 9.5°C. Both Dhenkanal and Koraput recorded 9.6°C.

In the twin cities, Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, temperatures were noted at 10.9°C and 11°C, respectively, marking a drop of 5.1 and 3.5 degrees below the seasonal average. This represents the lowest night temperature recorded in Bhubaneswar this season.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts that cold wave conditions may persist in parts of Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Jagatsinghpur, and Angul until the morning of December 17. Isolated dense fog is also expected in Kandhamal and Koraput districts until December 18. The current cold conditions are attributed to dry northwesterly winds affecting the region.

Additionally, the IMD reported the formation of a new low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal, which is anticipated to strengthen and move towards the Tamil Nadu coast. This system is likely to enhance the easterly winds carrying moisture, leading to light to moderate rainfall in some areas of Odisha starting December 17. This shift in weather patterns is expected to cause a gradual increase in night temperatures by 3-5 degrees Celsius within the next 24 hours.