Patna, Dec 29 (IANS): There was no respite from the biting cold wave in Bihar as minimum temperatures plummeted to 6.8 degrees Celsius in the state capital on Sunday, Met officials said.

Gaya was the coldest place in the state with a low of 5.3 degrees Celsius, whereas in Bhagalpur and Purnia, the minimum temperatures settled at 7.3 degrees and 6.8 degrees, respectively. Meanwhile, coldwave conditions have intensified across the state due to a spell of chill and fog, according to the Patna Meteorological Centre.

According to the weather scientists, "the weather is going to get colder. Many cities, including Patna and Gaya, will be under a blanket of dense fog during the morning. There can be relief for people from light sunshine in the afternoon. Some areas may also receive light rain on January 1 and 2."

On Sunday, Patna's maximum temperature is likely to be around 16 degrees Celsius. Patna recorded a maximum temperature of 15.4 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 4.8 degrees Celcius on Saturday.

Severe coldwave conditions are likely to continue across the state till the New Year, the Met department added.