Jaipur: Some parts of Rajasthan saw heat wave-like conditions Sunday as temperatures spiked sharply across the state, with maximums in many areas running about 5–6 degrees above normal for the first half of March, the Meteorological department said.Pilani recorded the state’s highest temperature at 40.2°C, the first location in Rajasthan to cross the 40°C mark this season. The Meteorological office said temperatures are likely to rise further in the coming days, especially in western Rajasthan, where maximum temperatures may remain around or above 40°C.The Met office attributed the persistent rise to an anti-cyclonic circulation prevailing over the region and said heat wave conditions are likely to prevail at isolated places in western Rajasthan over the next few days.Jaipur recorded a warm morning with a minimum of 19.5°C, followed by the city’s hottest afternoon of the season so far as the maximum touched 37.1°C. The sudden rise reduced outdoor activity during the afternoon, with many residents staying indoors to avoid the heat.Officials said the readings are unusual for this time of year. “Recording 37°C or more in Jaipur during the second week of March is uncommon.
