Bhubaneswar, Dec. 11 -- A severe cold wave continued across Odisha on Thursday as temperatures fell sharply across northern, western, and central regions.

Data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded Jharsuguda at a biting 8.6degC at 5:30 am, while several pockets of Kandhamal and Koraput reported temperatures near 5degC, marking one of the coldest spells of the season.

In the state capital, the winter intensity continued to deepen. Bhubaneswar registered 13degC at 5:30 am, marking a steep fall of 9.6degC over the last ten days, according to preliminary station readings. The data added that at least ten cities and towns across Odisha recorded temperatures at or below the 10degC mark.

The IMD said the prevailing conditio...