Extreme cold wave takes toll in UP

Lucknow: The extreme cold wave sweeping in Uttar Pradesh since last week has claimed five more lives, taking the toll in the season so far.

The spine-chilling cold wave sweeping through UP over the past week persisted for the seventh consecutive day as the fog dissipated clearing up the skyline.

The Meteorological Department has attributed the biting cold to moisture feed from Rajasthan and snowfall in Uttrakhand. The clod wave would continue in the coming week, it has added.

One person each died of cold in Siddharthnagar, Bhadohi, Lalitpur and Ferozabad districts, according to reports.

Meanwhile, a beggar died of cold near Vidhyachal temple in Mirzapur.

Due to adverse weather conditions, all schools and colleges have been closed till Sunday in Lucknow and other districts of the state.

Allahabad, Agra, Faizabad, Lucknow, Kanpur, Gorakhpur divisions witnessed a slight dip in the night temperature, the Meteorological office said.

Sultanpur at 4.3 degrees Celsius, five degrees below normal was the coldest place in Uttar Pradesh. The state capital recorded 5.4 degrees, followed by Allahabad 4.4 degrees, while Bahraich 5.4 degrees temperature.

A report from the tent city of Prayag, Allahabad said that owing to dense fog, the pilgrims are facing several hardships.

Cold waves continued to lash the city and people are faced with problems due to heavy load shedding.

All major trains, including Lucknow bound Ganga Gompti Express and Farraka Express were running late due to fog.

According to weatherman, dry icy winds lashed the state, making people shiver even during the day despite bright sunshine.

While day temperatures dropped due to cold winds, clear skies were responsible for dip in the night temperatures.

In the coming days, minimum temperature may drop below six degrees in the state. Mornings will continue to be hazy.

However, the density of fog will depend on the moisture content in the atmosphere and the velocity in the coming days.