A thick blanket of dense fog descended upon several parts of Rajasthan on Wednesday, severely impacting daily life across multiple districts. The intense fog cover significantly reduced visibility and intensified the winter chill, creating hazardous conditions for residents and commuters alike.
Visibility Drops, Disrupting Traffic and Daily Routines
The fog was particularly severe in areas of Sikar, Jhunjhunu, and Churu districts. In places like Fatehpur, visibility remained extremely poor throughout the day, forcing a major slowdown in traffic on highways. The situation was so dire that vehicles were compelled to drive with their headlights switched on even during daytime hours to navigate the obscured roads safely.
Sharp Temperature Plunge Worsens Cold Conditions
Accompanying the dense fog was a dramatic and sudden drop in temperature. The Fatehpur Agricultural Research Centre in Sikar district recorded a minimum temperature of just 1.7 degrees Celsius. This reading marks a severe intensification of the cold wave, representing a sharp drop of 6.3 degrees Celsius within 24 hours from Tuesday's minimum of eight degrees Celsius.
This rapid decline in mercury has drastically worsened the cold conditions, making it difficult for people to carry out their morning and evening routines. The combined effect of low visibility and biting cold has brought normal life to a standstill in the affected regions.
Residents Brace for Continued Harsh Weather
Local authorities have advised citizens to exercise caution while traveling and to take necessary precautions against the cold. The persistent fog and near-freezing temperatures are expected to continue affecting the region, posing challenges for road and rail transport. Residents are bundling up in warm clothes and limiting outdoor exposure as the region grapples with this intense winter spell.
