Visibility Drops Significantly, Causing Traffic Disruptions

On the first morning of New Year 2026, Odisha’s capital Bhubaneswar appeared under a thick blanket of fog, giving the entire city a surreal appearance. Residents who eagerly waited to witness the first sunrise of the year were unable to see the sun as the dense fog completely obscured it. The fog began settling over the city around 4:00 AM and intensified between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM, making driving extremely challenging. In many areas, visibility dropped to less than 50 meters, affecting traffic on major roads, including National Highway-16.

Motorists were seen driving at very slow speeds, using headlights and fog lights to navigate safely. The police remained vigilant to prevent accidents during the low-visibility conditions.

Citizens Continue New Year Celebrations Despite Fog

Despite the thick fog, the enthusiasm for the New Year among the residents remained evident. Devotees visited prominent temples, including the Lingaraj Temple, early in the morning, although the number of people walking or jogging outdoors was lower than usual due to the cold and fog. People of all ages wrapped themselves in warm clothing, and tea shops across the city saw increased footfall as residents sought warmth.

Reasons Behind the Fog

According to the Regional Meteorological Centre, the dense fog formed due to high humidity in the atmosphere combined with low wind speeds. Officials have warned that similar conditions may persist over Bhubaneswar and other coastal and interior districts of Odisha for the next 2–3 days.

The Department of Water Resources has issued a Yellow Warning, advising people to drive carefully. Low visibility increases the risk of road accidents, and the administration has requested residents to avoid non-essential travel until conditions improve. Motorists are advised to maintain slow speeds and safe distances between vehicles.

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