Daijiworld Media Network- Jaipur
Jaipur, Apr 16: Rajasthan is reeling under a relentless heatwave, prompting the Meteorological Centre in Jaipur to issue a red alert for the border districts of Barmer and Jaisalmer. The heatwave conditions are expected to persist and intensify across the state through April 18, with a yellow alert remaining in effect on April 19.
According to officials, temperatures have soared alarmingly, with Barmer recording over 45°C and Jaisalmer close behind at 45.4°C. Eleven other districts are also under orange and yellow alerts, highlighting widespread heatwave conditions.
Radheshyam Sharma, Director of the Meteorological Centre, Jaipur, said a weak Western Disturbance is expected to become active over parts of Rajasthan on April 16-17. This may bring temporary relief in the form of dust storms, light cloud cover, and isolated drizzle.
Despite this brief respite, weather experts confirmed that the state has entered a phase of severe and persistent heat. Udaipur and Dungarpur experienced post-noon dust storms and scattered rainfall on Tuesday, unlike the rest of the state, where the mercury continued its upward trend.
Temperature tally (Tuesday):
- Bikaner & Sriganganagar: 42.3°C
- Jaipur: Max 38.4°C, Min 25.4°C
The India Meteorological Department (IMD), New Delhi, has meanwhile issued an optimistic monsoon forecast, projecting above-normal rainfall across several regions, including Rajasthan. The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), a key influencer of monsoon patterns, is expected to stay neutral—favouring better precipitation.
However, until the rains arrive, parts of western Rajasthan will continue to bake under extreme conditions, with the mercury hovering around 45-46°C. Jaipur and Bharatpur divisions are also on alert for intensified heat from April 17 to 18.
The IMD has urged residents, especially vulnerable populations, to take extreme precautions as red alert conditions imply a very high risk of heat-related illnesses and heat stroke across all age groups.