Cold Wave Conditions Over Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha: Immediate Respite Unlikely
Image: AI-Skymet
Key Takeaways
- Eastern states are facing persistent cold wave conditions with no quick relief.
- Chhattisgarh and Odisha are the worst affected, with many places below 5°C.
- No winter rain is expected in eastern states for at least the next 10 days.
- Cold, dry northwesterly winds will keep temperatures suppressed till month-end.
Almost in line with the northern region, the eastern states of the country have also been reeling under cold wave conditions, quite severe in some pockets. While there is some relief over the northern plains, the eastern region is unlikely to have any immediate reprieve. States of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha witnessed low single-digit minimum temperatures at many places. Unlike the northern plains, no rain relief is coming up for the region, at least over the next 10 days. States of Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and East Uttar Pradesh have yet to receive any winter rainfall in the first half of January 2026.
The worst affected region has been Odisha and Chhattisgarh. Ambikapur has registered minimum temperatures of 5°C or less for the last ten days in a row, the lowest being 3.3°C on 07th Jan 2026. The city recorded under 4°C today as well. Along with Ambikapur, the capital city Raipur and Durg have also witnessed temperatures below normal by 5°–6°C. The neighbouring state of Odisha also had similar conditions. Jharsuguda was the worst with a low of 5°C and 7.5°C below normal, amounting to severe cold wave over the region. Angul and Baripada also observed below-normal temperatures with departures around 4.5°–6°C. The ‘domino’ effect of extreme cold travelled across the region to reach parts of Jharkhand and Bihar. Daltonganj and Bokaro registered minimum temperatures of 4°C and 5°C, respectively.
The passage of a western disturbance over the mountains and plains of North India will provide some relief over the region. However, the eastern states will continue to be swept by dry and cold northwesterly winds down the slopes and foothills of Nepal. Rainfall will remain confined to the northern plains and, at best, may reach central parts of Uttar Pradesh and northwestern parts of Madhya Pradesh. The eastern states will have to wait for the first seasonal shower. Till then, the region has to endure extreme cold conditions lasting till the end of this month.
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