Biting cold hits life in Rajasthan

Jaipur, Jan 8 (UNI) Biting cold, icy winds and steadily dipping temperatures forced people to stay indoors across Rajasthan today.

Churu mapping 0 degree, remained the coldest place in the state.

The state capital recorded 2.4 degree, turning out to be coldest day of the season. It is sunny during the day, yet the cold persists.

The freezing cold specially during nights has led to deserted roads as people are seen scurrying home from work.

The weather office said these low temperatures are normal in this season due to northerly winds and snowfall in the upper reaches of Himalayas. Last year, Jaipur recorded the lowest of 2.2 degree on January 6.

Pilani shivered at 0.5 degree. Most other places in the state also experienced a plunge in temperatures. Ganganagar was freezing at 1.7 degrees, Barmer 3.4, Bikaner 3.5, Jodhpur 5.2, Bundi 6, Sawaimadhopur and Dabok and Ajmer 6.2, Jaisalmer 6.3 and Jhalawar and Kota 9.4 degrees.

The weather office predicts a further fall in temperature over the next few days, intensifying the cold wave.

Ground frost in several districts like Ganganagar, Bikaner, Bharatpur is affecting the Rabi crop.

UNI