Jaipur, Dec 1 (NationPress) Rajasthan's winter is about to become more severe as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a cold wave warning effective from December 3. This alert follows a significant decrease in temperatures across multiple districts, coupled with foggy mornings and diminished sunlight, which amplify the cold. Despite this, there has been a minor respite over the last few days.

A western disturbance and weakened northerly winds had kept night temperatures above 10 degrees Celsius in cities such as Sikar and Pilani (Jhunjhunu). However, temperatures saw a notable decline on Sunday night. In Sikar, the minimum temperature fell by 2.5 degrees to reach 9 degrees. Other significant drops included Sriganganagar (down 2 degrees), Alwar and Pilani (down 1.5 degrees each), and Bikaner (down 3.5 degrees), where temperatures settled at 7.3 degrees.

The coldest temperature recorded was 5.9 degrees Celsius in Lunkaransar near Bikaner. Light fog was reported in parts of Sikar in the morning, further contributing to the chilly conditions.

Radheshyam Sharma, Director of the Jaipur Meteorological Center, mentioned that the current western disturbance over northern hilly states has temporarily weakened the cold winds. This system is expected to remain active until December 2-3. Once it departs, icy winds from the Himalayas will flow back toward the plains, sharply intensifying cold conditions throughout Rajasthan as well as Haryana, Delhi, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, and western Uttar Pradesh.

The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Sikar and Jhunjhunu districts for December 3 and 4, forecasting cold wave conditions and a further decrease in temperatures.

On Sunday, many areas experienced night temperatures dropping by 1-3 degrees. Cities like Sikar, Alwar, Churu, and Sriganganagar recorded single-digit minimum temperatures. Similar cold weather is anticipated to persist through Monday and Tuesday, with colder winds strengthening by midweek. Weak sunlight was observed in numerous districts, including Jaipur, Ajmer, Nagaur, Sikar, Jodhpur, and Barmer, leading to cooler daytime temperatures.

Maximum temperatures across Rajasthan also saw a significant drop as winter conditions intensified. Barmer recorded the highest daytime temperature at 30.4 degrees Celsius, followed by Jodhpur and Jalore at 29.4, Chittorgarh at 28.6, and Phalodi at 27.2 degrees. Cities like Udaipur and Kota observed temperatures of 27.4 degrees, while the state capital, Jaipur, registered 26 degrees. Bikaner reported 26.6 degrees, and Churu matched Jaipur at 26 degrees. In the northern region, Sriganganagar reported 25.7 degrees, while Sirohi recorded the lowest maximum temperature at just 22.1 degrees Celsius, indicating a chilly daytime atmosphere in several areas.