A severe cold wave has gripped the state, with G.Udayagiri recording a bone-chilling 3°C today. The mercury has dropped below 10°C in 23 cities, while 38 locations reported night temperatures under 12°C. Even the capital, Bhubaneswar, is shivering at a low of 10°C.
The extreme weather has brought life to a standstill, with snowfall reported in parts of Sundargarh and Koraput. Adding to the crisis, dense fog has reduced visibility to under 50 meters, triggering a rise in road accidents. Other major lows include Semiliguda (4.1°C), Phulbani (5°C), and Daringbadi (7°C).
The Meteorological Department warns that temperatures may plunge further to 8°C over the next 48 hours. With dense fog expected to persist, residents are advised to exercise extreme caution while traveling. Similar freezing conditions and frosty landscapes are predicted to prevail through the weekend.