Taj city sizzles at 45 deg C, schools to shut early

Agra district authorities have directed the schools to change class timings after the mercury soared to 45 degrees Celsius. The district courts too have changed their schedule, and are now opening at 8.30 am.

Agra: After the mercury soared to 45 degrees Celsius in Agra on Tuesday, the district authorities on Wednesday directed the schools' management to change the class timings to ensure that all the children reach home early by 12.30 pm or 1 pm.

The Met office, however, has promised some relief from the heat wave in the next two days, courtesy cyclonic storm 'Fani' in the Bay of Bengal.

The historical monuments of the district, including the Taj Mahal, is wearing a deserted look with the number of footfalls falling sharply. The Agra district court has also changed their schedule, and are now opening at 8.30 am.

Meanwhile, half the city is struggling with an acute water shortage. Long queues at hand pumps and municipal water tanks have become a routine feature, particularly in the Trans-Yamuna area.

The temperature of Agra touched 45 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, while Mathura was hotter at 47.2 degrees Celsius.