Patna, Dec 21 (IANS) Icy winds and a cloudy sky badly affected normal life in Bihar Sunday, with most people forced to stay indoors, officials said.

"The cold wave is likely to intensify in the state Monday, with the minimum temperature to go down further," a Met department official said.

Patna Sunday recorded a low of around 8 degrees Celsius, while Gaya district had Saturday recorded a minimum temperature of 6.2 degrees Celsius.

Though the authorities have denied any deaths due to the cold, unconfirmed reports put the toll at seven.

"There will be no respite from the cold wave. The winds will keep the weather cold for the next two days at least," the official said.

While most people preferred to stay indoors, the poor were seen huddled around fires to keep themselves warm in the cloudy, foggy weather.

Dense fog also led to many long-distance trains running late, railway officials said.