Cold wave conditions continue to prevail in the northern and eastern part of the country. Dense fog across the northern plains hindered the movement of vehicles and train services. Around 50 trains were late, 16 rescheduled and 39 cancelled yesterday.<br/><br/>In Jammu and Kashmir, the cold wave sweeping the Valley has tightened its grip on Kashmir division, including Ladakh region, experienced the coldest night of the season in the state. Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 6 degree Celsius. Kargil, in Ladakh region, was the coldest recorded place in the state as the mercury settled at a low of minus 18.8 degree Celsius.<br/><br/>Intense cold conditions continued in Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan. However, Delhi savoured a sun-washed afternoon which pushed the mercury to 20.7 degree Celsius. In Haryana, the state government has announced that all schools will remain shut for winter holidays until January 14. In Punjab, the severe cold sweeping the state has further intensified.<br/><br/>In eastern states, many areas are reeling under cold conditions. In Bihar, Gaya recorded the state's lowest minimum temperature at 2.8 degrees Celsius. The severe cold condition also prevailed at Patna, Bhagalpur and Purnea.<br/><br/>In Jharkhand, Jamshedpur and adjoining areas yesterday experienced the coldest day of the season. East Singhbhum district administration has asked schools to declare the holiday for the next three days for lower classes.<br/><br/>In Odisha, the mercury dropped by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius in coastal areas due to cold wind from the north-east direction. Cold conditions also intensified in West Bengal as icy winds walloped most areas. The MeT office has forecast similar conditions over the next a few days.