Lucknow, Dec 27 (IANS): The cold wave intensified in Uttar Pradesh Saturday with the return of fog and icy winds. In most parts of the state the mercury dipped further and dense fog resulted in poor visibility, hitting both rail and road transport.

The Regional Met Office has predicted that in some Terai (a belt of marshy jungle lying between the lower foothills of the Himalayas and the plains) regions of the state, there could be frost as well.

The Met Office warned that the cold wave would intensify further in the coming days.

The coldest place in the state Friday was Agra with a minimum temperature reading of 3.3 degrees Celsius. Lucknow recorded a minimum temperature of six degrees Celsius.

More than 20 people are reported to have died due to to the extreme weather conditions, taking the toll of cold related fatalities in the state to 100.

The worst-hit region is Poorvanchal (eastern UP) where 16 people have perished because of the cold wave conditions. Three have died in Kanpur and one in Meerut.

The state government has issued instructions to all districts that bonfires and temporary shelter homes should be arranged for the poor and the destitute.