A severe cold wave tightened its grip across Rajasthan on Thursday, bringing a sharp and widespread plunge in minimum temperatures. The Meteorological Department confirmed that several areas recorded significantly colder conditions, with Fatehpur in Sikar district emerging as the state's coldest spot.
Record Low Temperatures Across the State
Fatehpur recorded a chilling minimum temperature of 2.2 degrees Celsius, making it the coldest place in Rajasthan. It was closely followed by Lunkaransar in Bikaner at 2.9°C and Sikar at 3.8°C. Other districts also experienced intense cold, with Nagaur at 4.0°C, Churu at 4.7°C, Dausa at 4.8°C, Alwar at 5.0°C, and Pilani at 5.4°C.
The state capital, Jaipur, witnessed its coldest morning of the current season so far. The minimum temperature here dropped to 10.7 degrees Celsius. The daytime maximum temperature also saw a marginal dip, settling at 24.9°C, which is about 1.6 degrees below the normal average for this time of year.
Visible Impact and Meteorological Causes
The biting cold was palpable across urban and rural landscapes. In Jaipur, markets, street vendor zones, and popular public gathering places reported notably thin footfall during the early hours as residents preferred to stay indoors. The visible reduction in morning activity highlighted the intensity of the chill.
Meteorological officials explained that the sharp temperature drop is primarily due to persistent northwesterly winds and clear skies. These conditions have enhanced 'radiational cooling' during the night, where heat escapes rapidly into the atmosphere, leading to lower ground temperatures.
Warning of Worsening Conditions and Frost
The India Meteorological Department has issued a clear warning that the cold wave is likely to intensify further. They predict that the minimum temperature in Jaipur could touch or even dip below the 10-degree Celsius mark in the coming days. The situation is expected to be particularly severe in the Shekhawati region and the northern districts of the state.
Adding to the concerns, the forecast indicates a possibility of ground frost at isolated places in districts including Sikar, Churu, Jhunjhunu, and Nagaur. This weather pattern, driven by the northwesterly winds, is expected to persist for at least the next 48 hours.
Officials have stated that no immediate relief from the cold wave is in sight for Rajasthan over the next few days. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions against the cold, especially during the early morning and late night hours.
