Bhubaneswar, 15 December (H.S.) : A persistent cold wave continues to grip Odisha, with residents experiencing harsh early-morning conditions and little respite from the biting chill. The cold spell remains particularly severe in southern, western and interior parts of the state, where minimum temperatures have consistently stayed low.

Weather officials said there is no likelihood of any significant change in minimum night temperatures over the next six to seven days. During the past 24 hours, G Udayagiri recorded the lowest temperature in the state at 4.2 degrees Celsius. As many as 12 locations across Odisha reported minimum temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius.

Phulbani and Daringbadi registered minimum temperatures of 6 degrees Celsius, while Semiliguda recorded 6.1 degrees Celsius. Koraput reported 7 degrees Celsius, followed by Rourkela at 8.2 degrees Celsius and Jharsuguda at 8.9 degrees Celsius.

Keonjhar recorded a minimum temperature of 10.6 degrees Celsius, while Sambalpur registered 11.8 degrees Celsius. Hirakud and Bhubaneswar recorded minimum temperatures of 13 degrees Celsius and 13.2 degrees Celsius, respectively.

In coastal and adjoining areas, Balasore recorded 14.1 degrees Celsius, Chandbali 15 degrees Celsius, Paradeep 15.5 degrees Celsius and Gopalpur 16 degrees Celsius. Puri reported a minimum temperature of 17.1 degrees Celsius.

Apart from the cold wave, dense fog was reported in several districts, significantly reducing visibility during the early morning hours on Monday. The combined impact of low temperatures and fog disrupted normal life in many areas.

Weather officials said the situation is being closely monitored as the cold wave continues to prevail across the state, with minimum temperatures expected to remain largely unchanged in the coming days.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda