Heat wave affects normal life in Rajasthan

: Heat wave conditions continued to prevail in Rajasthan with maximum temperatures hovering between 41 and 45 degrees Celsius -- almost 2-4 degrees above normal, weather officials said on Tuesday.

The heat wave has forced residents to stay indoors. The roads and main markets of various cities and towns wore a deserted look especially during the afternoon.

Even the nights, which are usually cooler in the deserts are hot. The minimum temperatures are 3-5 degrees above normal in most cities of Rajasthan.

Jaipur recorded 44.7 degrees Celsius -- 4 degrees above normal for this time of the year. Even the minimum temperature was 32 degrees Celsius -- 5 degrees above normal.

Kota experienced 45.8 degrees Celsius and Jaisalmer recorded 44.2 degrees Celsius. Churu was sizzling at 44.5 degrees Celsius while Barmer stood at 43.8 degrees Celsius.

Going by the weather forecast, there seems no relief from the heat wave in the next 24 hours.

"Heat wave conditions are likely to continue at a few places in the state in the next 24 hours. In Jaipur the maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to be between 45 and 32 degrees Celsius respectively in the next 24 hours," a weather official said.