Lucknow, Dec 20 (IANS): The cold wave sweeping large parts of Uttar Pradesh over the past three days has claimed the lives of 65 people so far.

According to an official source, "most of the dead were pavement or slum dwellers, with very little or virtually no woollens to protect them from the biting chill".

State meteorological department director J.P. Gupta has forecast some respite from biting cold over the next day. "According to our estimates, day temperature is likely to rise and the dense fog too is expected to thin down, along with the possibility of a bright sun in the next 24 hours," he said.

Heavy fog conditions have disrupted not only rail and air services across the state, but even road commuters are having a tough time travelling, particularly at night.

Meanwhile, the state administration has ordered closure of all schools for students up to Class 8, to protect children from the adverse weather conditions.