Scorching persists in Rajasthan despite marginal dip in temp

Jaipur: Despite a minor dip in temperatures due to excessive wind, no respite from the scorching heat was witnessed in the state Wednesday.

Pilani and Chittorgarh remained hottest in the state where a maximum temperature of 46.2°C was recorded, the Met reports said.

It said there is no respite likely in the coming days as only dust storm is expected at many places in the state.

Attributing the continued rise in the mercury to the active northerly winds and absence of western disturbances, the Met office said that temperatures are likely to go up further in the coming days.

Pilani and Chittorgarh were followed by Sriganganagar, where a maximum temperature of 46.1°C was recorded, Bikaner 46°C, Vanasthali 45.6°C, Fatehpur 45.5°C and Kota 45.3°C. Barmer and Churu reported 45.1°C each, Jaisalmer 46.1°C, Jodhpur 44.7°C, Ajmer 43.1°C, Bhilwara 43°C, Dausa 43°C and Udaipur 42.4°C.

The scorching temperatures have disrupted normal life in many districts. Markets are witnessing reduced daytime footfall, roads remain largely deserted during afternoon hours, and outdoor workers, traffic police personnel, labourers and street vendors are among the worst affected. Hospitals are also reporting a rise in cases of dehydration, heat exhaustion and viral illnesses linked to extreme weather conditions. Increased use of air-conditioners and coolers has pushed electricity demand sharply upward in several urban centres.

In Jaipur, residents experienced a mix of extreme heat and sudden weather activity over the past few days. A marginal dip in the minimum and maximum temperatures was recorded in Jaipur. People woke up to a minimum temperature of 30.6°C and were followed by a maximum temperature of 42°C in the afternoon. At the walled city, the smog gun was installed by the municipal authorities, which was seen sprinkling water on the passers-by.

In its forecast, Met office, Jaipur, said that not much change in the weather conditions is expected in the coming days. It further forecast that heat wave conditions are likely to aggravate further from Saturday.