A biting cold wave tightened its grip across Rajasthan for the second consecutive day on Monday, sending temperatures plunging to bone-chilling lows and severely disrupting daily life. The state's meteorological department has attributed the severe conditions to active western disturbances and forecasts a similar pattern for Tuesday.
Mercury Dips to Season's Lowest, Vanasthali Tops the Chart
The intensity of the cold was starkly evident in the temperature readings. Vanasthali in Tonk district recorded the state's lowest minimum temperature at a shivering 4.1 degrees Celsius. This was even colder than the reading at Mount Abu, the state's hill station, which registered 4.4 degrees Celsius. The capital city, Jaipur, experienced its harshest cold spell of the season so far. The city recorded its season's lowest minimum temperature at 6.8°C, while the maximum temperature also dropped to a cool 14.8°C.
Dense Fog Cripples Transport, Life Grinds to a Halt
The cold wave was accompanied by dense fog in several regions during the morning hours, leading to significant travel disruptions. The fog impacted:
- Vehicular traffic on roads across the state.
- Rail movements, causing delays and schedule changes.
- Flight operations at Jaipur International Airport, where some flights were affected.
Normal life in Jaipur came to a standstill, with streets appearing unusually deserted as morning walkers and residents chose to stay indoors to avoid the harsh weather.
Met Office Predicts Continued Chill
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has clearly linked the ongoing cold wave to active western disturbances influencing the region's weather pattern. Based on their analysis, the department has stated that the cold wave conditions are likely to persist over the next 24 hours, extending into Tuesday. Residents across the state are advised to take necessary precautions against the cold and plan for potential travel delays due to foggy conditions in the early mornings.
