Odisha braces for return of winter chill as IMD predicts temperature drop

Bhubaneswar, Dec 19: The winter chill is expected to return to Odisha, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted a rise in nighttime temperatures by 2-4°C after four days. According to the midday bulletin, the minimum temperature is likely to remain relatively stable for the next four days before dropping by 2-4°C across the state.

The IMD also noted that a well-marked low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal is anticipated to move northwest toward the coasts of north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh within the next 12 hours, then shift northward along the Andhra Pradesh coast over the following 24 hours. This weather pattern may result in rainfall in Odisha until December 21.

On December 19, light rain or thundershowers are predicted in several districts, including Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, and others. Similar weather is expected on December 20 in districts such as Angul, Dhenkanal, and Keonjhar. Additionally, shallow to moderate fog may develop in parts of Kandhamal, Kalahandi, and Sundargarh until the morning of December 20.

The intensity of rainfall is forecasted to diminish on December 21, with light showers possible in a few areas, including Jagatsinghpur and Puri. Following this, dry weather is expected across the state.

The extended weather outlook for Odisha suggests minimum temperatures will range from 14-16°C in most coastal regions and parts of southern interior Odisha, 10-14°C in remaining coastal areas and much of interior Odisha, and 6-10°C in other interior regions from December 20-26.