Cold wave continues in Telangana as Odisha shivers under harsher chill

Telangana is currently experiencing a cold wave, with night temperatures dipping well below normal in several districts, particularly in the northern and rural parts of the state. Early mornings have been marked by cold winds, fog, and hazy conditions, while stagnant air has kept air quality poor in urban centres like Hyderabad. However, weather experts note that the intensity of cold in Telangana remains significantly milder than in north India , where sub-zero temperatures, snowfall, and severe cold wave conditions are common during winter.

Historically, Telangana’s winters have been short-lived and moderate . Over the past few years, minimum temperatures in Hyderabad have typically ranged between 10°C and 14°C , with colder pockets such as Adilabad, Medak, and Sangareddy occasionally recording single-digit temperatures. In rare instances, interior districts have seen temperatures fall to around 6–7°C , but such events are brief and not prolonged.

Unlike north India, Telangana does not experience extended cold spells or extreme cold-related disruptions. The current cold wave, though notable, is expected to ease after January 1, reinforcing the state’s long-standing pattern of relatively mild winters compared to the northern plains .

Odisha continued to reel under a severe cold wave on Monday, with minimum temperatures dipping below 10°C in 13 places, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. The southern and western districts were the worst affected, with G Udaygiri in Kandhamal recording the lowest temperature at 3.6°C, followed by Similiguda (5.2°C), Phulbani (5.5°C) and Daringbadi (6°C). Several other towns across western Odisha also reported single-digit temperatures, while coastal areas remained above 10°C .

The IMD has issued a five-day cold wave warning, saying temperatures are likely to remain largely unchanged until the New Year, and has forecast dense morning fog in districts including Sundergarh, Sambalpur, Angul, Dhenkanal, Kalahandi, Kandhamal and Nayagarh. Authorities warned that fog could reduce visibility and disrupt road, rail and air transport, though a 2–3°C rise in minimum temperatures is expected from January 1.