Rajasthan continues to wilt under strong heat

Rajasthan continued to be affected badly by severe heat wave conditions on Friday while the mercury touched 50 degree Celsius mark in Phalodi in Jodhpur district for the second day in succession.

Though evenings are usually pleasant in the desert state but not this time as even night temperature in most parts of the state were over 30 degrees Celsius.

On Friday, the highest maximum temperature of 50 degrees Celsius was recorded in Phalodi, while Bikaner was a notch lower at 49 degrees and border towns of Jaisalmer and Barmer were scorching at 47.6 and 47 degree Celsius respectively.

Churu, which touched over 50 degree Celsius on Thursday, was on Friday still boiling at 48.1 degree Celsius.

State capital Jaipur was hot at 46 degrees Celsius, five degrees above the average while the minimum temperature was also high at 30.8 degrees Celsius, almost 4 degree above.

Kota and Jodhpur were also hot at 48.2 and 47.5 degrees Celsius.

The weather department said severe heat wave conditions are likely to continue.

Meanwhile, the district authorities in some of the cities and towns have started to sprinkle waters on roads with an aim to cool down soaring temperatures a bit.

--IANS

as/vd