Severe heatwave grips Raj, Barmer hottest in country at 48.3°C

Jaipur: Severe heatwave conditions continued to sweep across Rajasthan Tuesday, with Barmer emerging as the hottest place in the country after recording a blistering maximum temperature of 48.3°C, according to the Meteorological Centre Jaipur. The intense heat across western Rajasthan pushed temperatures several notches above normal, making life difficult for residents in the desert region.

Not only did Barmer top the list of the country’s hottest places, Jaisalmer also figured among the hottest locations nationally after recording a maximum temperature of 45.8°C, reflecting the firm grip of severe heatwave conditions across western Rajasthan.

Barmer was followed by Phalodi, where the mercury touched 46.4°C. Chittorgarh recorded 45.6°C, Bikaner 45.0°C, Kota 44.7°C and Jodhpur at 44.6°C. Pilani and Churu registered 44.5°C each, while Fatehpur recorded 44.0°C. Sri Ganganagar reported 43.5°C, Udaipur 43.1°C, Dausa 43.0°C and Ajmer 42.7°C.

Jaipur too experienced intense heat during the day with the minimum temperature settling at 29.1°C in the morning while the daytime temperature climbed to 43.2°C. Major roads and marketplaces wore a deserted look during the afternoon as people largely remained indoors to avoid exposure to the scorching sun. In the Walled City area, Jaipur Municipal Corporation(JMC) deployed smog guns to sprinkle water in an attempt to provide relief from the oppressive heat.

In contrast to the prevailing dry weather across most districts, some places in Alwar and Kotputli-Behror witnessed hailstorm activity and light rainfall during the afternoon, bringing temporary respite to residents.

The Met office warned that heatwave conditions are likely to intensify further over the next couple of days. Several eastern districts may continue to experience above-normal temperatures. Authorities advised people to avoid direct exposure to sunlight during peak afternoon hours and stay hydrated amid the continuing extreme weather conditions.