A severe and persistent cold wave has tightened its grip on Rajasthan for the fourth consecutive day, plunging temperatures across the state significantly below normal levels. The harsh winter conditions, driven by active north-westerly winds, have disrupted daily life and prompted weather officials to warn of further intensification in the coming days.
Record Low Temperatures Across the State
Sikar emerged as the coldest recorded place in Rajasthan, with the mercury dropping to a chilling 2.5 degrees Celsius. The state capital, Jaipur, experienced its coldest morning of the current season, with the minimum temperature plunging to 4.4 degrees Celsius. This reading was nearly 3.5 degrees below the normal average for this time of year.
Despite afternoons offering some bright sunshine, cold winds prevented any significant warmth, capping Jaipur's maximum temperature at 19.0°C, which is also about 3.3 degrees below normal. Other major cities and towns reported similarly low readings:
- Jaisalmer: 3.3°C
- Alwar: 4.0°C
- Mount Abu and Vanasthali: 4.6°C each
- Jhunjhunu: 4.7°C
- Churu: 5.2°C
- Bikaner: 5.9°C
- Kota: 6.8°C
- Jodhpur: 9.6°C
Life Disrupted by Biting Chill and Fog
The intense cold has significantly altered routines in both urban and rural areas. In Jaipur, many residents postponed their morning activities, avoided customary walks, and chose to remain indoors to escape the biting chill. Public parks and open spaces saw very few visitors, while demand for woollen clothing, room heaters, and heavy bedding surged.
Early morning scenes featured crowds huddled around roadside tea stalls and kiosks, seeking warmth from hot beverages. The situation was exacerbated by dense fog and mist during the early hours, which reduced visibility on the outskirts of Jaipur. This affected vehicular movement on key highways connecting the city to Agra, Ajmer, Delhi, and Sikar, causing slow traffic for several hours as drivers exercised extreme caution.
Similar foggy conditions were reported in parts of the Bikaner division, including Sriganganagar, Hanumangarh, and Bikaner itself, disrupting routine activities and delaying early-morning travel plans. Fortunately, rail and air traffic at Jaipur's major transit hubs remained largely operational without major cancellations, though passengers were seen bundled up in multiple layers.
Weather Outlook and Official Advisory
The Meteorological office has stated that no significant change in the prevailing cold wave conditions is expected until at least January 15. They have specifically warned that parts of the Bikaner and Jaipur divisions are likely to continue experiencing severe cold wave conditions.
Authorities have advised the public, especially vulnerable groups, to take necessary precautions. People are urged to limit exposure during the early morning and night hours, wear adequate warm clothing, and use safe heating methods. The combination of low temperatures and fog demands extra vigilance from commuters and those working outdoors.
