Cold wave grips Odisha, Similipal records zero degree Celsius

Odisha is experiencing a severe cold wave, with the mercury dropping to zero degree Celsius in Similipal National Park in Mayurbhanj district. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of cold wave conditions in several districts until the morning of January 9.

In Bhubaneswar, the minimum temperature was recorded at 9.4 degree Celsius, matching the lowest nighttime temperature recorded on January 3, 1952, according to senior IMD scientist US Das. The city witnessed a steep drop of 9.2 degree Celsius in just four days, falling from 18.6 degree Celsius on January 4.

Authorities at Similipal National Park reported that the temperature in Upar Bara Kamuda (UBK), located in the core tiger reserve area, fell to zero degree Celsius. Entry to UBK is restricted, allowing only patrolling officials access due to its status as a tiger habitat.

Several districts, including Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Balasore, Khurda, Angul, Jharsuguda, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Sundergarh, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Sonepur, and Nabarangpur, have been warned of continuing cold wave conditions. Night temperatures in other regions fell sharply, with G Udayagiri at 2.5 degree Celsius, Similiguda at 3.2 degree Celsius, and Phulbani at 5 degree Celsius.

Revenue department officials stated that the cold wave has severely affected rural and tribal areas across Odisha, posing challenges for daily life and agricultural activities. Residents have been advised to take precautions against the extreme cold conditions.