Khordha (Odisha) [India], December 15 : A severe cold wave swept through northern Odisha on Sunday, with the Mayurbhanj district enduring the harshest conditions. The Ramatirtha area recorded a bone-chilling low of -10 degrees Celsius. Other areas in the district, including Gurguria and Barehipani, saw temperatures around 6 degrees Celsius, while Chahala registered 4 degrees Celsius, Nawana -5 degrees Celsius, and Upper Baraha Kamuda (UBK) recorded -3 degrees Celsius.
Earlier, IMD scientist Dr. Soma Sen Roy forecasted that the cold wave in North and Central India would persist for one to two days, with temperatures expected to rise by December 16-17. She mentioned that north-westerly winds are influencing the region, with a subsequent shift to south-easterly winds expected. The cold wave has already been observed in Punjab and Madhya Pradesh.
The Meteorological Department also predicted cold wave conditions for isolated areas across Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, Muzaffarabad, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, West Rajasthan, and East Rajasthan over the coming days.
In Srinagar, temperatures dropped to a minimum of -5 degrees Celsius, while Shimla and nearby hill stations were also impacted by a fresh spell of snowfall, bringing icy conditions that disrupted daily life.
Meanwhile, in Delhi, a thin layer of fog enveloped parts of the city, with the minimum temperature dropping to 7 degrees Celsius. With the chill intensifying, people sought refuge in shelter homes across the capital. At a shelter near AIIMS, Ved Pal, a staff member, shared that they provide food, blankets, and medical assistance to those in need.