Heatwave grips Raj; dust storms, rain bring relief

Jaipur: Rajasthan remained in the grip of intense heatwave conditions Thursday, with Phalodi recording the state’s highest maximum temperature at 45.2°C. However, several districts witnessed dust storms and light rainfall in the evening, bringing temporary relief from the scorching heat.

After a blistering day, weather conditions changed across parts of Jaipur, Bikaner, Nagaur and Sikar districts. Strong winds accompanied by scattered showers led to a dip in temperatures and offered respite to residents battling extreme heat.

In Sikar’s Shrimadhopur area, strong winds lashed the town for nearly an hour, disrupting power supply in several localities. Sikar recorded the highest rainfall in the state at 10.5mm, while Lunkaransar received 4mm of rainfall. Trace rainfall was reported from Jaipur, Bikaner, Phalodi and Dabok.

Jaisalmer witnessed a severe dust storm that engulfed the city in a thick layer of dust. In Jaipur, evening dust storms with wind speeds of 50–60 kmph disrupted normal life before scattered showers were reported.

Authorities in Jaipur installed green shade covers at the Rambagh Circle traffic signal to provide relief to two-wheeler riders from the harsh afternoon sun, but the structure collapsed in strong winds that swept through the city later in the evening. In Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, water sprinkling on roads was carried out to reduce the impact of extreme heat.

Barmer and Jaisalmer recorded 45.1°C each, followed by Sriganganagar at 44.8°C and Bikaner at 44.1°C. The Met office has forecast light rain and dust storms in Jaipur, Bikaner and Ajmer divisions, while severe heatwave conditions are likely to continue in western Rajasthan over the next few days.