Rajasthan reels under severe heatwave; Jaisalmer hottest at 46.4°C, no immediate relief

Times News Network

Jaipur: Severe heatwave continued to grip large parts of Rajasthan Monday, with temperatures soaring well above normal across western, northern and central districts. The desert city of Jaisalmer was the hottest in the state at 46.4°C, the Met report said. Even the state capital, Jaipur, witnessed the hottest day of the season so far at 43.5°C.

The persistent heat has disrupted normal life, forcing people to remain indoors during peak afternoon hours. Roads and markets wore a deserted look in many cities. Residents also reported increased dependence on coolers, air-conditioners and water supply amid rising temperatures. Abrupt power cuts in various districts were also reported.

Jaisalmer was followed by Barmer, where a maximum temperature of 46°C was recorded; Kota and Vanasthali, 45.7°C each; Chittorgarh registered 45.4°C; Phalodi, 45.4°C; Churu, 45.3°C; Pilani and Bikaner, 45°C each; Jodhpur city, 44.3°C; Alwar, 43.6°C; Dausa, 43.3°C; Bhilwara, 43°C; and a maximum temperature of 42.5°C was recorded in Ajmer.

People in Jaipur woke up to the hottest morning of the season so far as a minimum temperature of 31.7°C was recorded. It was followed by a scorching afternoon, when a maximum temperature of 43.5°C, about 3.2 degrees above normal, was recorded. Such intense heat prompted the civic authorities to use anti-smog guns to sprinkle water on the roads to provide relief to motorists and residents, especially in the Walled City areas.

The intense heat has added to power demand across the state, with many households complaining of localised outages and voltage fluctuations. Water consumption has also surged sharply, especially in urban areas, as people struggle to cope with the prolonged spell of extreme weather.

Monday evening saw a sudden weather change due to a western disturbance. Strong winds, rain and hailstorm were reported in Hanumangarh, Sriganganagar and Bikaner. Several other districts, including Churu, Jhunjhunu, Sikar, Jaipur and Alwar, experienced dust storms, cloud cover and light rainfall in isolated areas.

For Jaipur, the weather office has forecast partly cloudy skies with chances of light cloud cover and gusty winds in the next 24 hours. With April ending on an intensely hot note, weather officials said western Rajasthan is likely to continue facing severe heatwave conditions over the next few days, with temperatures expected to remain in the 44°C to 46°C range in several districts.

Dust Storm, Cloudy Sky Likely - The Met office has forecast partly cloudy skies and dust storms in some areas

Slight Dip Expected - Maximum and minimum temperatures may fall by around 1°C over the next 24 hours