Rajasthan Faces Severe Heatwave as Temperatures Soar Above 40°C
Intensifying Heatwave in Rajasthan
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Jaipur, April 24: Rajasthan is currently experiencing a severe heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in over ten districts, significantly impacting daily activities across the state. The Meteorological Department has issued warnings regarding extreme heat conditions in various areas.
On Friday, the Jaipur Meteorological Centre of the India Meteorological Department announced a heatwave alert for five districts, advising residents to take necessary precautions.
Fortunately, a fresh western disturbance is anticipated to bring some relief starting Saturday, potentially leading to dusty winds, light rain, and thunderstorms in regions such as Bikaner, Jaipur, Bharatpur, Jodhpur, and Ajmer.
As per the India Meteorological Department, Sri Ganganagar recorded a blistering 44.5 degrees Celsius on Thursday, making it the hottest city in India. This extreme heat has led to administrative measures, particularly affecting school schedules.
In response to the heat, authorities in Jaipur, Kota, Chittorgarh, Jaisalmer, and Dausa have adjusted school timings to protect students from the intense afternoon sun. In Kota, Class 12 sessions will now run from 7:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. starting April 24, while in Dausa, classes for students up to Grade 8 will be held from 7:30 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. until May 2.
Similar adjustments have been made for students up to Class 8 in Jaisalmer and Chittorgarh, while in Jaipur, school hours will change to 7:30 A.M. to 12 noon from April 27.
Temperature data from Thursday indicated that Sri Ganganagar was the hottest location in both the state and the country, with a maximum of 44.5 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 26.5 degrees Celsius.
Following closely were Kota at 43 degrees Celsius, Churu at 42.6 degrees Celsius, Chittorgarh at 42.5 degrees Celsius, and Pilani at 42.2 degrees Celsius.
Other significant cities also reported high temperatures, including Jaisalmer and Bikaner at 41.5 degrees Celsius each, while Barmer reached 40.4 degrees Celsius and Dausa recorded 40.3 degrees Celsius.
Even the relatively cooler areas like Jaipur experienced temperatures close to 40 degrees Celsius, peaking at 39.6 degrees Celsius.
In southern Rajasthan, Udaipur recorded 39 degrees Celsius, while Sirohi and Pali were slightly cooler at 36.5 degrees Celsius and 36.8 degrees Celsius, respectively.
However, rising minimum temperatures, ranging from 19 degrees Celsius to 26 degrees Celsius across various cities, have increased discomfort, especially at night.
Meteorologists suggest that dry weather and clear skies are contributing to the significant rise in temperatures in districts such as Nagaur, Alwar, Bharatpur, and Tonk.
Light winds have offered little relief as heatwave conditions persist. With numerous cities surpassing the 40 degrees Celsius mark and others approaching it, authorities have urged residents to take precautions, avoid exposure during peak hours, and stay hydrated.
There is hope for some relief, as weather experts predict a potential change in conditions after April 25 due to a western disturbance, which could bring light rain and dust storms to parts of the state.
Until then, Rajasthan remains firmly entrenched in extreme summer heat.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as the state endures one of the most severe heat spells of the season.