Jaipur, May 21 (IANS) The Meteorological Department on Thursday warned of severe heatwave conditions in several districts of Rajasthan for the next four days.

Sriganganagar has emerged as the hottest city in the state in the last 24 hours, recording a maximum temperature of 46.5 degrees Celsius. Pilani in Jhunjhunu was the second hottest at 45.3 degrees Celsius.

Phalodi and Bikaner recorded 44.8 degrees Celsius, Churu 44.5 degrees Celsius, Kota and Alwar 44.2 degrees Celsius, and Chittorgarh 44 degrees Celsius.

Most cities in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Bharatpur, and Kota divisions remained in the grip of heatwave conditions.

The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for heatwave conditions in more than half of Rajasthan for the next three to four days, with little relief expected from the scorching temperatures.

Amid the rising heat, preventive measures are being taken in several cities. Water is being continuously sprinkled near Zorawar Singh Gate on Amer Road in Jaipur to reduce surface temperatures.

In Kota, water is being sprayed morning and evening at some cattle shelters to protect animals from the intense heat.

Further, Sirohi recorded a maximum temperature of 39 degrees Celsius, while Pratapgarh recorded 39.6 degrees Celsius, making them among the few districts to remain below the 40-degree mark on Tuesday.

Sirohi, in fact, also recorded a minimum temperature of 21.8 degrees Celsius, making it the lowest temperature in the state in the last 24 hours.

Jaipur recorded a slight fall in temperature on Wednesday, but residents continued to face intense heat throughout the day. The city recorded a maximum temperature of 42.5 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 31.1 degrees Celsius over the past 24 hours.

Alwar continued to reel under temperatures close to 45 degrees Celsius for the third consecutive day. The Municipal Corporation sprinkled water on roads and installed tents at several places to provide shade to pedestrians and commuters.

Ajmer experienced severe heat and humidity from morning. The district recorded a maximum temperature of 40.9 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 28.6 degrees Celsius.

Traffic remained sparse during afternoon hours as residents tried to avoid the scorching conditions.

The Shekhawati region, including Sikar district, has been facing continuous heatwave conditions for the past six days. On Wednesday, Sikar recorded a maximum temperature of 43 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 24.4 degrees Celsius.

Hot winds and rising temperatures have disrupted normal life in most parts of the state, with roads remaining deserted during the peak afternoon hours.

–IANS

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