Temperature hits 50°C in Rajasthan; two die of heatstroke

JAIPUR/JODHPUR: The scorching heatwave continued to wreak havoc across Rajasthan, claiming two more lives on Saturday, and Phalodi in Jodhpur district officially recorded a maximum temperature of 50°C, as reported by the Met department. The town remained the hottest place in the state, and probably in the country.

A 50-year-old man died in Jalore due to heat-related complications, and a 45-year-old man succumbed to the extreme heat in Jodhpur. The Jalore man, Sungaram Mali, was admitted to hospital on Friday with complaints of dehydration, vomiting and nausea. Despite receiving treatment, he passed away on Saturday.

Officials said an audit of the death would be conducted to determine if the cause was heatstroke.

Minimum temp of 31.2°C in Jaipur The other man, Chain Singh Rajput was found unconscious near Loria Talaab in Pali on Saturday afternoon. He was rushed to the hospital but was declared brought dead.

The state is witnessing the beginning of Nautapa, a nine-day period when the sun transits through Rohini Nakshatra, according to astrology. During this time, the mercury is expected to soar even higher.

The intense heat wave conditions in the state showed no signs of abating, particularly in western Rajasthan. In Phalodi, the scorching temperature of 50°C created a curfew-like situation, with marketplaces and roads staying deserted as people stayed indoors. The local administration resorted to sprinkling water on the streets to provide some relief.

In Jaipur, another sweltering morning welcomed residents, with a minimum temperature of 31.2°C, which was 3.3°C above the normal. The afternoon was even more unbearable, with a maximum temperature of 43.8°C, which was 2°C higher than the normal. By 11am, roads in the city were already empty. Some local traders and shopkeepers arranged for chilled water and sharbat (sweet drink) for commuters.

Jaipur Met office director Radhey Shyam Sharma said the mercury will continue to rise in the coming days. "No trace of western disturbances or upper air cyclonic circulation is seen in near future, indicating that the mercury will continue its upward trend. Western Rajasthan will remain under the grip of severe heat wave conditions," he said.

Barmer recorded the second highest maximum temperature of 48.8°C, followed by Jaisalmer reached with 48°C. Other cities in the state experienced similarly high temperatures: Bikaner 47.2°C, Churu 47°C, Jodhpur 46.9°C, Fatehpur 46.7°C, Sriganganagar 46.5°C, Kota 46.3°C, Chittorgarh 45.8°C, Dungarpur 45.5°C, Karauli 45.2°C, Bhilwara 44.8°C, and Ajmer 44.4°C.


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