Cold wave conditions and dense fog continue to grip Kandhamal, creating discomfort for residents as temperatures dip sharply across the district. The cold wave conditions intensified again after a brief rise earlier in the week, keeping most areas shivering below 15°C.
G. Udayagiri recorded the lowest temperature at 9.4°C, while Phulbani and Daringbadi stayed close behind at 11.5°C. Thick fog covered several parts of the district during early hours, reducing visibility and slowing down traffic on major routes.
Daringbadi, known as the Kashmir of Odisha, along with Belghar, Barakhama, Tumudibandha, Kotagarh, Baliguda, Raikia and G. Udayagiri, continues to experience biting cold and persistent fog. The harsh weather pushes local residents to adopt different ways to stay warm. People in rural areas light small fires outside their homes, while those in towns keep their routines active with morning walks, yoga and pranayama.
A slight temperature rise of two to three degrees on Friday gave short relief. The change links to a possible low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal. Even then, interior pockets still feel the chill with temperatures hovering below 10°C. As winter deepens, tourist numbers in Kandhamal are slowly rising.
