DHAKA, Jan 4 (Reuters) - At least 56 people, mostly beggars and homeless, have died during a cold snap in poor areas of northern Bangladesh this week, local officials and doctors said.

They said nearly 40 deaths were reported on Thursday alone, when the temperature dropped to 6 degrees Celsius (42.80F).

Temperatures at this time of year usually hover around 8-10 degrees Celsius.

Weather officials said the cold spell, which began on Monday, was likely to continue for another week.

(Additional reporting by Hashibur Rahman Bilu in Bogra)

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