Odisha is currently experiencing one of its most intense cold spells in recent decades, with temperatures plunging sharply across large parts of the state and touching the freezing point in the forested interiors of Similipal National Park. The sudden and sustained drop in mercury has prompted the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue cold wave warnings for several districts, while state authorities report widespread hardship, particularly in rural and tribal regions.

On Thursday, the minimum temperature in Similipal National Park’s core zone fell to zero degrees Celsius, an extremely rare phenomenon for the eastern coastal state. The reading was recorded at Upar Bara Kamuda (UBK), a high-altitude location within the core area of the Similipal Tiger Reserve in Mayurbhanj district. UBK lies deep inside a protected tiger habitat and remains off-limits to tourists, with access restricted to authorised forest and patrolling officials. Forest authorities confirmed that only staff engaged in surveillance and conservation duties are permitted to enter the area, especially under such harsh weather conditions.

The freezing temperature at Similipal highlights the severity of the cold wave sweeping across Odisha. While the hilly and forested tracts of northern Odisha often experience lower temperatures during winter, the mercury touching zero degrees Celsius underscores the unusual intensity of the current cold spell. Meteorologists attribute this sharp decline to cold northerly winds and favourable atmospheric conditions that have allowed temperatures to drop rapidly over the past few days.

Even the state capital, Bhubaneswar, has not been spared. The city recorded a minimum temperature of 9.4 degrees Celsius, equalling the lowest nighttime temperature observed on January 3, 1952. This means Bhubaneswar has matched a 74-year-old record, a rare occurrence that reflects the extraordinary nature of the ongoing cold wave. Senior IMD scientist U.S. Das, in a statement shared on social media, described the development as remarkable and noted the speed with which temperatures have fallen in the capital.

According to historical data cited by Das, the coldest January night ever recorded in Bhubaneswar was 8.6 degrees Celsius on January 5, 1992. Other notable cold nights include 9 degrees Celsius on January 17, 2003, and 9.3 degrees Celsius on January 15, 2012. What makes the current situation particularly striking is the rapid temperature drop. Bhubaneswar recorded a minimum of 18.6 degrees Celsius as recently as January 4, 2026, meaning the city experienced a fall of over nine degrees Celsius in just four days.

The IMD has issued warnings for cold wave conditions across a wide swathe of the state, cautioning residents to take necessary precautions until at least the morning of January 9. Districts under the cold wave alert include Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Balasore, Khurda, Angul, Jharsuguda, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Sundergarh, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Sonepur and Nabarangpur. In these areas, night temperatures are expected to remain significantly below normal, increasing the risk of cold-related illnesses, especially among vulnerable populations.

Several interior and western Odisha locations have recorded exceptionally low minimum temperatures. G Udayagiri, a hill station-like town in Kandhamal district, reported a minimum of 2.5 degrees Celsius, making it one of the coldest places in the state outside Similipal. Similiguda followed with 3.2 degrees Celsius, while Phulbani, Rourkela, Jharsuguda, Daringbadi, Bhawanipatna and Nabarangpur all recorded minimum temperatures around 5 degrees Celsius.

Other regions also experienced biting cold, though temperatures remained slightly higher. Kirei recorded a minimum of 7.2 degrees Celsius, while Chiplima, Angul, Keonjhar and Sundergarh saw similar readings. Several coastal and central districts, including Ranital, Dhenkanal, Bolangir, Bhubaneswar, Balasore, Cuttack, Koraput and Rayagada, also reported unusually low night temperatures. Sonepur, Sambalpur and Mahisapata were among other areas affected by the widespread chill.

Revenue department officials said the cold wave has had a significant impact on daily life across Odisha, particularly in rural and tribal belts where access to adequate shelter, warm clothing and heating facilities is limited. In many villages, people rely on open fires for warmth, and prolonged exposure to cold conditions poses serious health risks, especially for the elderly, children and those with existing illnesses. Authorities have been asked to remain vigilant and ensure that relief measures reach those most in need.

The sudden drop in temperatures has also affected wildlife in forested regions. While officials have not reported any major incidents so far, conservation staff in areas like Similipal are keeping a close watch on animal movement and health. Extreme cold can influence animal behaviour, pushing wildlife closer to human settlements in search of warmth or food, which in turn increases the risk of human-animal conflict.

Meteorologists explain that cold wave conditions in Odisha are usually driven by the influx of cold air from northern India following the passage of western disturbances. When skies remain clear and winds are calm at night, the ground loses heat rapidly, leading to a sharp fall in minimum temperatures. This year, a combination of these factors has resulted in a particularly severe cold spell, catching many residents off guard.

Health experts have advised people to limit exposure to cold during early morning and late night hours, wear layered clothing, and ensure adequate nutrition. Authorities have also urged district administrations to activate cold wave response measures, including the operation of night shelters and distribution of blankets in vulnerable areas.

As Odisha braces for a few more cold nights, the record-breaking temperatures serve as a reminder of the increasing variability in weather patterns. While winters in the state are generally mild compared to northern India, the current cold wave stands out for its intensity and geographical spread. For now, residents across Odisha are hoping for a gradual rise in temperatures once the cold wave subsides, even as officials remain on alert to manage its impact on lives and livelihoods.