Odisha is in the grip of a severe cold wave, with temperatures plunging to 4.6 degrees Celsius in G Udaygiri in Kandhamal district, the lowest recorded in the state, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday.

Ten locations across the state reported temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius over the last 24 hours, highlighting the intensity of the cold wave.

Semiliguda in Koraput district recorded 5.5 degrees Celsius, while Phulbani in Kandhamal registered 7.5 degrees. Other regions also experienced biting cold, with Rourkela at 8.7 degrees, Koraput at 8.8 degrees, Jharsuguda and Angul at 9 degrees each, Daringibadi at 9.5 degrees, and Bhawanipatna and Chiplima at 9.9 degrees.

The IMD has urged residents to take precautions against the cold and stay warm as temperatures are expected to remain low in the coming days. Meanwhile, local authorities have been advised to remain alert and ensure adequate support for vulnerable communities during this cold spell.