Dust storm, rain bring mild respite from heat in Rajasthan

Jaipur: Dust storms, gusty winds and light rainfall brought mild relief from intense heat across parts of Rajasthan Friday, leading to a noticeable dip in temperatures in several districts. However, many areas in the state continued to record maximum temperatures above 40°C. The Met office said heatwave conditions are likely to revive from Sunday onwards.

Phalodi remained the hottest place in Rajasthan with a maximum temperature of 44.8°C despite receiving 2.4 mm rainfall. Chittorgarh followed at 44.2°C, while Banasthali recorded 43.6°C and Kota 42.8°C. Bhilwara registered 41.7°C, Barmer 41.4°C, Jaisalmer 41.2°C and Jodhpur city 41°C. Jaipur recorded a maximum temperature of 39.7°C after witnessing evening dust storms and rainfall activity.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said several districts witnessed a fall in temperatures due to the impact of an active western disturbance. Sri Ganganagar registered the sharpest dip of 5°C, with the maximum temperature settling at 39.8°C. Jaisalmer saw a fall of 3.9 degrees Celsius, while Barmer and Bikaner recorded declines of 3.7 degrees each. Sikar remained relatively cooler at 37.5°C after a drop of 2 degrees Celsius.

Light rainfall was also reported in Jhunjhunu at 3mm, while trace rainfall occurred in Pilani, Bikaner and Sri Ganganagar. The weather office said thunder activity and winds reaching speeds of 30-40 kmph were observed in several parts of the state.

“From 8pm Thursday to 8am Friday, 3.6 mm rainfall was recorded in Jaipur,” an official of the Met office, Jaipur, said. According to the Jaipur Meteorological Centre, partly cloudy skies, thunder activity and light rain are likely to continue in isolated areas over the next 24 hours. The current spell may provide temporary relief from the heat, though hot conditions are expected to persist in many districts of Rajasthan.