Cold wave continues to prevail in North India(Lead:Cold wave)

New Delhi/Srinagar/Patna, Jan 23 : North India continues to shiver from intense cold wave conditions.

In most parts of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana, the mercury is hovering close to the freezing point.

In Delhi, the minimum temperature dipped to 2.6 degree Celsius, Yesterday, the minimum temperature was 3.8 degrees Celsius.

It is a tough time for people, especially the school going children, bus drivers, newspaper vendors and many others.

"Earlier, the temperatures had comparatively gone up and it was better, but once again it is very cold in the morning. I come here to drop my children at the bus stop. It would have been better if the school authorities declare a week's off," said Jyotikumar Jha, a parent.

"It is so cold. We are trying to keep ourselves warm with the bon fires somehow. The government is not helping us out.... had we got some blankets or anything, it would have been of some help atleast," said Ramesh, a resident of Patna.

Some areas in Punjab registered a minimum temperature of zero degree Celsius.

There is no let up in severe cold conditions sweeping the Kashmir valley. The famous Dal Lake that is thronged by tourists during the winter season stands frozen.

"These days, it has become really difficult for us. The Dal Lake has also frozen. I am sure, it is going to be more cold," said Asfaq, a resident.

As the cold wave continues unabated in and around the northern belt of the India small fires to provide warmth are a common sight and the tea vendors are having a busy time in markets and railway stations with most people opting for hot tea to beat the cold.

The weather forecast says rain or snow is likely to occur at few places in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana and West Uttar Pradesh.

ANI