Agra, Jan 23 (IANS): Having witnessed record rain in January, Agra residents heaved a sigh of relief when 36 hours of incessant showers finally stopped Wednesday evening.

"Life appears to be returning to normal after being disrupted by record rain in January. The preparations for the Republic Day Parade in schools have begun," said school teacher Ajay Bhartiya.

The total rainfall here so far in January this year is 49.6 mm, according to authorities.

Incessant rain for over 36 hours in the Agra region paralysed normal life and intensified the cold conditions. From Mathura to Mainpuri, Greater Noida to Bharatpur, the rain was widespread.

Wednesday's maximum temperature in the Taj city was 15.7 degrees Celsius, several notches below what is normal for this time of the season, while the minimum was 12.9 degrees Celsius.

Potato and mustard crops were damaged by heavy rainfall in many parts of the Agra district, said farmer Ravi Singh. He feared 20 percent damage to the potato crop.

"It was way back in 1977 that in the month of January we had so much rain," recalled senior hotelier Surendra Sharma.

In January 1977, the rainfall figure was 27 mm for the entire month.

The low-lying areas along the main roads in Agra were water-logged and the markets appeared deserted. Tourists avoided visiting monuments other than the Taj Mahal, said guide Amit Sisodia. He said the number of visitors fell to around 8,000 people Wednesday.

Doctors at the government hospitals said the number of patients, the victims of cold, has suddenly gone up.

"Luckily, the schools are closed," said Amit Agarwal, a parent.

The weather office in Lucknow has forecast more showers Thursday.