Jaipur, May 29 (IANS): Heat wave conditions continue to affect normal life in the desert state of Rajasthan, with the mercury hovering between 40-45 degrees Celsius in most parts of the state.

The highest maximum temperature of 44.6 degrees Celsius was recorded at Kota in the state.

Though evenings are usually pleasant in the desert state, the minimum temperatures have been above normal this season.

Jaipur was hot at 43.9 degrees Celsius -- three degrees above normal -- while the night temperature in Jaipur on Thursday was recorded at 30 degrees Celsius -- also three degrees above normal.

Churu was sizzling at 43.5 degrees, Ganganagar at 42 and Jodhpur at 42.4 degrees Celsius.

Ajmer too was hot at a maximum of 42.2 degrees and a minimum of 32.5 degrees.

Udaipur was scorching at 42 degrees while the desert town of Barmer was hot at 42.6 degrees Celsius.

According to the weather department, heat wave conditions are likely to continue in Rajasthan.

"Heat wave conditions are likely to continue at a few places in the state in next 24 hours. Dust storm or thunder storm accompanied with squall may occur at isolated places in the state during the next 24 hours," a meteorological department official told IANS on Friday.

Meanwhile, the zoo authorities in Jaipur have installed coolers and begun spraying waters on the cages where animals and birds are being kept. Grass sheds have also been put in place to shield the animals from the scorching heat.