The cold wave conditions have gripped the state severely with the mercury dropping below 12 degree Celsius in several places of Odisha. As many as 12 places in Odisha recorded minimum temperature below 12 degree Celsius, said a senior Indian Meteorological Department scientist on December 18.

Speaking to ANI, Senior Scientist at Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar Umashankar Das said, "Around 12 places in Odisha have recorded temperatures below 12 degrees Celsius, particularly Phulbani, Kandhamal, which recorded 7 degrees Celcius.

Night temperatures will be below normal between 2-4 degrees Celcius for the next 4-5 days."