A severe cold wave has tightened its grip on the state of Rajasthan, with Fatehpur emerging as the coldest place in the region. The mercury plummeted to a chilling minus 0.4 degrees Celsius on Tuesday morning, highlighting the intensity of the winter spell.
State Shivers Under Intense Cold Conditions
According to the latest weather report, the cold wave conditions are widespread across Rajasthan. Following Fatehpur, the town of Churu recorded a low of 1.4 degrees Celsius. Several other districts experienced similarly frigid temperatures, with Pilani at 2.0°C, Mount Abu at 2.2°C, and Sikar at 2.6°C. The state capital, Jaipur, also felt the bite of winter, registering a minimum temperature of 7.2 degrees Celsius.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has attributed this sharp drop in temperature to a combination of factors. Clear skies and calm winds during the night have allowed for maximum heat radiation from the earth's surface, leading to these extreme lows. The IMD has issued a 'yellow alert' for cold wave conditions in the region, advising residents to take necessary precautions.
Impact on Daily Life and Health Advisories
The severe cold is significantly disrupting daily life, especially for early morning commuters, outdoor workers, and the homeless population. Local authorities have been urged to open night shelters and provide adequate relief measures. Doctors across the state are reporting a rise in cases of respiratory illnesses, flu, and joint pains, particularly among the elderly and children.
Health experts are advising people to wear multiple layers of warm clothing, cover their heads and ears, and avoid prolonged exposure to the cold, especially during the early morning and late evening hours. Consuming warm fluids and maintaining a nutritious diet is also recommended to help the body cope with the extreme weather.
Forecast and Broader Weather Pattern in North India
The IMD forecast suggests that the cold wave conditions are likely to persist over the next few days in isolated pockets of Rajasthan. There is no immediate sign of significant relief, although daytime temperatures may see a marginal rise under sunny skies.
This cold spell is not confined to Rajasthan alone. A large part of North India, including Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh, is experiencing similar severe winter conditions. The prevailing western disturbances have not been strong enough to bring cloud cover or precipitation that could trap heat and raise minimum temperatures.
The current weather scenario underscores the severe winter phase that North India enters annually. While Fatehpur's sub-zero temperature marks an extreme point, the widespread cold wave demands public awareness and preparedness to mitigate its health and societal impacts until conditions improve.
