Patna, Dec 15 (IANS): Cold winds and a cloudy sky with light drizzle created cold wave- like weather in this Bihar capital Monday, with a more or less similar situation prevailing across the state.

Dense fog also led to several long-distance trains running late, officials said here.

Patna District Magistrate Abhay Kumar has asked schools to change their timings.

"Cold winds and fog early in morning made life difficult for school going children; school authorities should change the timing," Neha Singh, mother of a school going child said.

Most of the schools are likely to close for winter vacations from next Monday.

People in rural and urban areas are facing intense chill due to icy westerly winds blowing across the state, a met department official said.

"A system of chilly winds blowing in from the ice laden mountains of Jammu and Kashmir is advancing towards the state," official said.

Gaya district recorded 8.2 degrees Celsius, met department official said adding that the cold wave would continue in the coming days.

Officials have denied any death due to cold in the state but unconfirmed reports put the figure at three.