Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, woke up to a dream-like scene in the morning fog, with the city itself enveloped in thick cotton-like material. The fog was such that one could not see even ten feet ahead, thereby bringing life to a standstill. Vehicles moved at a snail’s pace on the roads, and drivers, debarred of any honking sound, would assume the fear of accidents when visibility was actually scarce.
Locals in Bhubaneswar, vexed by the extreme weather conditions, would eventually start calling it “Foggy Curfew,” since this term most accurately describes the misery of the city due to the fog. The Meteorological Centre today issued a yellow warning for 10 districts, with alert for 14 more districts on the 29th and four districts on the 30th.
A Country in Chaos-The fog brought chaos to the city of Bhubaneswar, resulting in disturbances in daily life and transportation. Schools, offices, and markets remained closed, while fieldwork ground to a halt. The situation was eerie when once-vibrant roadways now plied vehicles moving at a snail’s pace.
From the Regional Meteorological Center, there is advice that these fogs are going to continue persisting in coastal Odisha and its nearby districts over the next two days, which could lead to disruptions of live and travel again.
Taking More Chilly
Adding insult to injury, a chill wave has enveloped the region that dusk has marked a minimum temperature drop of 2 to 3 °C. The northwestern part is nausea stricken, with Ghu. Udayagiri recording an above-minimum of 6.4 °C. The lower temperatures have been noticed as well in terms of degree in other cities like Similiguda, Phulbani, Sundargarh, and Kirei.
The cold and dry air flow from the northwest, following the withdrawal of the westerly cyclone, has contributed to the dip in temperatures. The Met Office has advised residents to take precautions against the cold and fog, especially during early morning and late-night hours.
What’s Next?
As Bhubaneswar and other parts of Odisha brace for more fog and cold weather, the focus is on managing the disruptions and ensuring safety. The authorities have urged people to avoid unnecessary travel and to use fog lights and other safety measures if they must venture out.
For now, the city remains under a foggy curfew, with life moving at a slower pace. As the fog lifts, the hope is that normalcy will return, but for now, Bhubaneswar is a city wrapped in a blanket of white.
The dense fog and cold wave in Bhubaneswar serve as a reminder of nature’s power to disrupt even the busiest of cities. While the foggy curfew has brought chaos, it has also highlighted the resilience of the people who navigate through it. As the Met Office continues to monitor the situation, the hope is that the fog will soon lift, bringing clarity and calm back to the city.
