Bhubaneswar: Cold wave conditions continued to grip the state with as many as 13 places recording a minimum temperature of below 10°C on Thursday.

Kandhamal was the coldest place in Odisha with a temperature of 5°C while Darin-gibadi recorded 6°C.

According to the Regional Meteorological Centre, Sundargarh recorded a minimum temperature of 7.5°C followed by Jharsuguda with 7.7°C.

"Clear sky and cold wave coming from north India have led to a drop in night temperature. The situation will continue for another 10 days," said Met director Sarat Sahu. The state capital recorded a minimum temperature of 11°C, while Cuttack recorded 10.5°C.

Met officials said the severity was much higher in rural areas compared to urban areas. "Rural areas have more open spaces and the severity is much higher. Concrete structures in urban areas capture heat during the day, so the severity is lower," said a Met official.

Kandhamal residents continued to reel from the cold. "It has become unbearable to get out of the house. Roads and streets have become deserted as a result," said Kandhamal resident Rajiv Jani.

Two people in the district have allegedly died due to cold in the past 48 hours. Jemes Aladia Ranajit of Gadapur village died on Wednesday, while Maluka Malik of Kundupanga village died on Tuesday night.