The capital city of Odisha, Bhubaneswar, along with the rest of the state, is currently in the grip of a persistent and intense cold spell, a phenomenon its residents have not witnessed in over a decade and a half. Following an unusually extended monsoon season, the winter chill has firmly entrenched itself, with the city recording minimum temperatures of 10°C or lower for several consecutive days. This sustained drop is reshaping daily life and highlighting significant shifts in local weather patterns.
Residents React to the Unfamiliar Chill
For a city accustomed to comparatively milder winters in recent years, the current biting cold has come as a stark change. Early mornings and late evenings now carry a crisp, sharp edge. Morning walkers and commuters are navigating through fog and a distinctly cold breeze, while households are recalibrating their routines to maximize the warmer daylight hours.
Himanshu Behera, a resident of Kanan Vihar, expressed his surprise, stating, "I never experienced such cold during the last 14 years. But I have no complaints. I am enjoying it." This sentiment of novelty is widespread, with many long-term residents noting the return of a winter intensity they thought had vanished.
Meteorological Factors Behind the Temperature Plunge
Experts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) have pinpointed the specific atmospheric conditions driving this cold wave. Manorama Mohanty, director of the IMD's Bhubaneswar centre, explained that the flow of dry, cold winds from northern and north-western directions is the primary cause. "During the last few days, the state received cold northerly and north-westerly winds. Humidity remained very low; the almost dry air favoured the cold conditions. Lack of fog kept the sky clear and helped in temperature drop," she added.
Echoing this analysis, senior meteorologist Sarat Chandra Sahu provided further context. He mentioned the formation of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal and the uninterrupted flow of dry, cold winds from the Himalayan foothills, in the absence of any western disturbance. "Even the clear sky and low moisture helped in this process. I also did not feel this type of cold in the city since 2004," Sahu remarked, underscoring the rarity of the event.
Social and Economic Ripples of the Extended Winter
This prolonged cold spell is not just a meteorological event; it is actively influencing local life and commerce. The pleasant daytime weather coupled with brisk evenings has given a significant boost to local tourism. Scenic spots and weekend getaways are witnessing an influx of visitors eager to enjoy the seasonal charm.
Furthermore, the demand for warmth is driving business for small vendors. Tea stalls and local eateries are reporting higher footfall as people seek out hot beverages and warm snacks. Binod Kumar Bihari, a resident of Damana, captured the mood of many, saying, "We were complaining about the disappearance of cold during winter, especially in the capital city. But this year's cold has compensated for our longing for bone-chilling winter nights."
The cold wave is a statewide experience, with many districts across Odisha reporting minimum temperatures well below their usual averages for this time of year. As clear skies and dry winds continue to dominate, Bhubaneswar and its surrounding regions are set to experience this memorable winter for a while longer.
