Agra, Jan 9 (IANS): Brief spells of rain and hail early Thursday intensified the cold conditions in the Taj city and neighbourhood.

The minimum temperature In Agra Wednesday was 3.5 degrees Celsius though a clear sky and bright sunshine helped to raise the day temperature to a comfortable 21 degrees Celsius.

"But the cloudy sky today (Thursday) and chilly wind with drizzle have affected movement. Luckily schools are closed till Jan 14," said Vijay Nagar colony resident Sudheir Gupta, an insurance agent.

"The pre-board exams in St Peter's College have been postponed due to the continuing cold conditions," said school teacher Anubhav.

District authorities Wednesday checked on the night shelters being run by the Agra Municipal Corporation. A dozen "raen baseras" - or night shelters - are being run by NGOs. The Ganesh Sewa opened another night shelter Wednesday evening.

For the moment, the light drizzle is good for the potato and mustard crop, said farmer Ravi Singh of Barauli Aheer. "But the cloud cover should open up soon," he added.