Large parts of Rajasthan remain firmly in the grip of a relentless cold wave. The state has endured freezing conditions for over a week now. Monday brought bright sunshine, but it failed to provide any major respite from the biting cold.
Record Low in Fatehpur
Fatehpur in Sikar district recorded the state's lowest temperature on Monday. The mercury plunged to a frigid minus 0.4 degrees Celsius. This follows an even colder reading of minus 2 degrees Celsius recorded in the same town just a day earlier, on Sunday.
Daily life in Fatehpur has virtually ground to a halt. Markets are opening as late as 12:30 PM due to the intense cold. Residents are struggling with the harsh conditions that show little sign of immediate easing.
Jaipur and Regional Conditions
Jaipur also experienced a chilly start to the day. The minimum temperature settled at 7.6 degrees Celsius. However, the afternoon turned bright and sunny, with the maximum temperature reaching a more comfortable 22.4 degrees Celsius.
Traffic on major highways connecting Jaipur to Agra, Delhi, and Sikar remained smooth. This was due to the absence of fog or mist, a small silver lining in the otherwise difficult weather.
Widespread Chill Across the State
The severe cold wave has a firm hold on several regions. The Shekhawati area continues to suffer under particularly harsh conditions. Minimum temperatures have dropped below 3 degrees Celsius in many places here.
After Fatehpur, Lunkaransar recorded the next lowest temperature at 0.4 degrees Celsius. Other notable low readings include:
- Churu at 1.3°C
- Sriganganagar at 1.4°C
- Pilani and Karauli at 1.5°C
- Sikar at 2°C
- Nagaur at 2.4°C
- Jaisalmer at 2.5°C
- Dausa at 2.6°C
- Jhunjhunu at 2.7°C
- Sirohi at 3.9°C
- Mount Abu at 4.2°C
- Bikaner at 5.6°C
- Barmer at 6.9°C
Weather Forecast and Cause
The Jaipur Meteorological Office attributes the current conditions to active northerly winds. These winds are bringing cold air into the region, sustaining the low temperatures.
There is some hope on the horizon. The Met office forecasts a marginal rise in both minimum and maximum temperatures starting from January 16. This expected increase may finally bring the much-awaited relief from the intense cold.
With bright sunny weather predicted for the coming days, the mercury is likely to begin a gradual upward trend from Tuesday. Residents across Rajasthan are eagerly awaiting this promised break from the winter's relentless chill.
