No Respite for Rajasthan from Heat Wave

Heat wave conditions continued to paralyse life in Rajasthan Monday as the mercury hovered between 40-45 degrees Celsius in most parts - well above normal.

The roads wore a deserted look with people preferring to stay indoors.

The meteorological department said there would be no respite from the heat wave.

"Heat wave conditions would continue to prevail over parts of Rajasthan with the day temperatures four to six degrees above normal," an official said.

"There is a possibility of a dust storm or thunderstorm over parts of Rajasthan in the next two-three days, which could provide temporary relief from the hot weather conditions," he said.

Jaipur was searing hot at 43.7 degrees Celsius, over five degrees above normal for this time of the year. Bikaner was sizzling at 44.6 degrees while Jodhpur was 43 degrees Celsius. Ajmer was 42 degrees and Dabok was a scorching 42.6 degrees Celsius.

"The main roads in Jaipur have hardly any traffic, especially in the afternoons, resembling a curfew-like situation," a traffic policeman said.

Most people have changed their daily routine to avoid the sun - preferring to venture out early and return home late after the sun has gone down.

"I try to do my door-to-door sales either before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.," said Ramveer Singh, a marketing executive.

It is a similar story with Ashish Chaturvedi, a manager in a private company. He reaches office by 9.30 a.m. and tries to return only after 6 p.m.

The only ones happy with the rising temperatures are ice cream vendors and cold drink sellers.

Source-IANS
SRM/V