For the third day in a row, a severe cold wave has tightened its grip on Rajasthan, bringing biting temperatures, dense fog, and a prolonged winter chill that has disrupted normal life across the state.
Mercury Plummets Across the State
Most regions in Rajasthan recorded temperatures significantly below their seasonal averages on Monday. The intense cold was exacerbated by dense fog and a notable dip in daytime mercury levels, which prevented any substantial relief from the chill. The active north-westerly winds and a marked absence of western disturbances have been identified as the primary drivers behind this extended cold spell.
Fatehpur emerged as the coldest spot in the entire state, with the mercury plunging to a frigid 3.5 degrees Celsius. Several other districts also reeled under single-digit minimum temperatures:
- Dausa: 4.5°C
- Alwar: 4.8°C
- Sikar: 5.0°C
- Vanasthali and Mount Abu: 5.1°C each
- Pilani: 6.0°C
- Churu: 6.3°C
Other areas like Anta recorded 6.7°C, Lunkaransar 7.2°C, and Sriganganagar 8.9°C. The capital city, Jaipur, woke up to a biting cold morning with a minimum temperature of 9.3°C. While afternoon sunshine pushed the maximum to 25.1°C, the cold persisted during the early morning and late evening hours.
Regional Variations and Forecast
The cold wave was not uniform across all divisions. The Jaipur, Bikaner, and Bharatpur divisions were particularly affected, with the harsh conditions expected to continue through Wednesday and Thursday. This weather phenomenon, typical for late December and early January, is locally referred to as Mavath.
However, some western districts experienced slightly milder nights. Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Barmer recorded minimum temperatures of 10.4°C, 11.5°C, and 12.6°C respectively.
There is a silver lining on the horizon. The India Meteorological Department has forecast a marginal rise in temperatures from Thursday, offering some respite from the intense cold. Residents are advised to continue taking necessary precautions against the chill until the conditions improve.
