Thaindian News

Agra, Feb 18 (IANS) The sudden return of intense cold continued unabated across north India, as temperatures dipped across the region. Bright sunshine in most places could not provide any respite from the big chill as icy breeze blew throughout the day.

Two nights ago, the minimum temperature in Agra was 9.8 degrees Celsius, but it fell sharply Friday night to 3.5 degrees Celsius with icy breeze forcing early closure of markets. There was a slight improvement as mercury moved two degrees up early Saturday morning.

“This sudden swing in temperature has surprised many people in the Taj city, as normally after Basant Panchmi (Jan 28 this year) we see gradual change and relief, but the steep fall in the past couple of days has made it a rather long winter of discomfort this year,” said home-maker Padmini.

“Its no better Saturday, the school kids are having a tough time as many have examinations this time of the year,” said school teacher Anubhav about the current intense cold in the city.

But as the day progresses, there is hope for some respite since the sun is bright, noted insurance agent Sudheir Gupta.

The chill in the mornings and evenings has affected election campaigning by political parties and candidates in the current state assembly polls, as people are not willing to stay outdoors for long, say poll managers.

The continuing chill has also affected potato crop in some parts of the Agra and Aligarh divisions, but the mustard and wheat cultivators are generally happy.