Hyderabad: Normal life was thrown out of gear in parts of Telangana as cold wave conditions prevailed at various places in the state, officials said on Monday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning stating that severe cold wave conditions were ‘likely’ to prevail in several districts in Telangana on Tuesday.

Severe cold wave conditions prevailed at isolated places in Medak and Warangal districts, while a few places in the districts of Adilabad, Hyderabad and Peddapalle experienced cold wave conditions, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in its Daily Weather Report of Telangana.

The Lowest Minimum Temperature of five degree Celsius was recorded at Adilabad, the report said. In its observations recorded at 0830 hours on Monday, it said Medak, Hanmakonda, Ramagundam and Hyderabad recorded minimum temperatures (past 24 hours) of 6, 9, 9, 9 degrees Celsius, respectively.

These minimum temperatures are an appreciable departure from the normal levels. According to state government agencies, a minimum temperature of 2.7 degrees C was recorded at Arli village in Adilabad district in the early hours of Monday.

The cold wave conditions are attributed to winds blowing from northerly and north-easterly direction over Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The cold conditions forced people to stay indoors at many places.

The Adilabad district administration initiated various measures, including setting up night shelter in the district headquarters town and providing blankets to students of welfare hostels, to provide relief.

Those sleeping in bus stations and other such places were also provided blankets, an official told PTI. The measures have been planned since cyclone Phethai hit neighbouring Andhra Pradesh in the middle of December and caused temperature levels to fall.

Schools are starting at 10.30 am instead of 10 am in Adilabad district and citizens have been advised not to expose themselves to cold conditions, the official said.

In its cold wave warning issued Monday, the IMD said severe cold wave conditions are very likely to prevail at isolated places in the districts of Adilabad, Medak, Warangal and others on 1 January. Cold wave conditions are very likely to prevail at isolated places in various districts on 2 January and later.