Bhubaneswar, Jan. 9 -- Odisha continues to reel under an intense cold wave as mercury levels have dipped sharply across the state, triggering harsh winter conditions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that biting cold is likely to persist for the next two weeks due to the influx of dry and cold northerly winds.

The cold spell has been accompanied by chilly winds and dense fog in several areas, adding to public discomfort. At present, minimum temperatures of 10 degrees Celsius or below have been recorded in 24 towns across the state.

For the first time this season, the minimum temperature in Odisha has dropped close to 2 degrees Celsius. On Friday, G Udayagiri in Kandhamal district recorded the state's lowest minimum...