The picturesque hills of Kandhamal district in Odisha turned into a freezing landscape on Wednesday as temperatures dropped dramatically below 10 degrees Celsius across multiple locations, disrupting normal life and forcing residents to seek warmth.
Record-Breaking Chill Grips Odisha
Daringbadi recorded the state's lowest temperature at a bone-chilling 8.5 degrees Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department. The mercury plunged to 8.7 degrees in G Udayagiri and settled at 10 degrees in Phulbani, marking a significant drop from Tuesday night's readings of 9.5 degrees, 10.5 degrees, and 11 degrees respectively.
Several interior areas including Bramhanigaon, Kotagarh, Belaghara, Raikia, and Phiringia also experienced temperatures falling below the 10-degree mark, creating challenging conditions for local communities.
Daily Life Disrupted by Biting Cold
The sudden temperature dip has significantly impacted morning routines across Kandhamal. "Morning activities have become slower due to the sudden dip in temperature," confirmed S N Tripathy, a senior advocate based in Phulbani, highlighting how the cold wave has affected daily productivity.
While most residents avoided venturing out during early morning and evening hours, tourists in Daringbadi embraced the chilly weather, visiting parks and popular spots to experience the unusual cold. In contrast, interior villages witnessed residents gathering around bonfires during morning hours to combat the intense cold.
Weather Patterns and Official Response
Weather experts attributed the temperature drop to cold northerly winds and clear sunny skies prevailing across several parts of the state, including Kandhamal. The IMD has forecast that these cold wave-like conditions will persist in Odisha for several more days.
Local authorities have taken note of the situation. D R Rath, the Block Development Officer of Daringbadi, stated, "We urged the people, especially elderly and children, who are vulnerable to sudden temperature dip, to take protective measures to avoid health complications."
The administration's warning comes as the region braces for continued cold conditions, with vulnerable populations particularly at risk from the unexpected weather change.
