Dust storm, showers bring small relief in parts of Raj

Jaipur: With active western disturbances influencing weather conditions, many places in Rajasthan witnessed dust storms, hailstorms and rainfall activity Wednesday.

However, the weather failed to provide major respite from the prevailing heatwave conditions, bringing down maximum temperatures by only 1-2°C in some parts of the state.

Jaipur recorded its hottest afternoon of the season so far, with the maximum temperature touching 43.8 degrees Celsius, surpassing the earlier seasonal high of 43.5°C recorded on April 26.

According to the Meteorological Centre, Jaipur, heatwave-like conditions persisted in western Rajasthan, with Phalodi emerging as the hottest place at 46.8°C, followed by Jaisalmer 46.1°C, Chittorgarh 45.8°C, Barmer and Bikaner 45.2°C, Kota 44.8°C, Jodhpur city 44.7°C, Ajmer 43.1°C, Bhilwara 43°C, Nagaur 43°C, Dausa 43.0 °C, Jalore 42.7°C, Fatehpur 42.5°C, Udaipur 42.4°C, Pali 42.4°C, Pratapgarh 42.2°C and Sikar 42°C.

In the evening, weather changed significantly as a heavy dust storm swept through several parts of Jaipur, bringing temporary relief from the scorching heat. Showers were witnessed on the outskirts of Jaipur, accompanied by strong gusty winds.

The weather department has predicted similar activity over the next 48 hours. An upper air circulation system and western disturbances is likely to trigger thunderstorms, gusty winds of 40-50 kmph, and light rain at isolated places in Bikaner division, the Shekhawati region, and northern parts of Jaipur and Bharatpur divisions.

Churu recorded the highest rainfall in the state during the past 24 hours at 29.8mm, indicating localised pre-monsoon activity. A rainfall varying from 10mm to 5mm was recorded at several cities.

Met office in its forecast said that several places in Jaipur, Bikaner and Bharatpur divisions are likely to witness partly cloudy sky with the possibility of thunder, strong surface winds of 30-40 kmph, and light rain activity. However, no major respite is likely in the next couple of days except a dip of one to two degrees.