Rajasthan gets respite from cold as temperature rises

Icy winds abated in Rajasthan and temperatures rose, bringing relief to residents of the desert state after the harsh cold wave sweeping the region claimed several lives in the last few days.

"However, two trains were rescheduled and 11 delayed due to mist or foggy conditions in parts of Rajasthan. Temperatures rose by one to five degrees at most places in the state," a MeT official said.

"Sriganganagar was the coldest place in the state, recording a minimum temperature of 4.5 degree Celsius on Monday night," MeT department said.

Barring Mount Abu, a hill station in the state, where mercury rose from minus 0.5 to 2 degrees, the minimum temperature was above five degrees Celsius in other areas.

Chittorgarh recorded a minimum of 5.2 degrees followed by Pilani 5.8 degrees, Churu 6.1 degrees, Jaipur 7.8 degrees, Bikaner 8 degrees, Udaipur 8.5 degrees, Barmer 9.4 degrees, Ajmer 9.7 degrees, Jodhpur 11 degrees and Kota 11.6 degrees.

With the mercury showing an upward trend, kite fliers took advantage of the weather on the occasion of Makar Sankranti in Jaipur as people of all age groups were seen engaging in the sport from roof tops.

An NWR spokesperson said two trains were rescheduled and 11 delayed due to mist and foggy conditions. No major change is expected in weather conditions in the state in next 24 hours, a forecast said.