Mercury Dips Across Odisha, Daringbadi Coldest at 7.5°C

The winter chill has tightened its grip on Odisha, with temperatures dipping sharply across several districts on Thursday. Daringbadi in Kandhamal district, often dubbed the “Kashmir of Odisha,” emerged as the coldest place in the state, recording a minimum temperature of 7.5 degrees Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The IMD bulletin noted that as many as 17 locations in the state recorded minimum temperatures below 15°C, marking one of the coldest spells of the season so far. Phulbani, also in Kandhamal district, followed with 8.5°C, while Jharsuguda, Rourkela, and Bhawanipatna registered lows of 10.9°C, 11.1°C, and 11.5°C respectively.

The drop in temperature is attributed to the prevailing dry and cold northwesterly winds sweeping through interior parts of Odisha. The IMD has predicted that the chill will intensify further over the next few days, especially in western and southern districts.

Meanwhile, residents have begun pulling out their winter wear as the state braces for colder mornings and nights in the days ahead.