Weather – Western Disturbance Triggers Rain and Hail Across Rajasthan
Weather – A new spell of unstable weather has swept across Rajasthan following the arrival of an active western disturbance, leading to rain, thunderstorms, and hail in several districts. The sudden shift in atmospheric conditions has brought down temperatures and reintroduced a mild chill in many parts of the state.
Rain and Thunderstorms Lash Multiple Districts
Since early Wednesday morning, districts including Jaipur, Alwar, Tonk, Kota, Nagaur, and Udaipur have recorded intermittent rainfall. In the state capital Jaipur, showers began around 4 a.m., accompanied by strong winds and flashes of lightning. The early morning rain significantly cooled the air, offering a sharp contrast to the warmer conditions seen earlier this week.
Hail was reported in parts of Jaipur and Nagaur, while Kota and Tonk experienced intense rain spells lasting nearly 20 to 25 minutes. The brief but heavy downpour led to a noticeable dip in morning temperatures. Light rainfall was also observed over the past 24 hours in Sriganganagar, Pali, Hanumangarh, and Churu.
IMD Issues Orange and Yellow Alerts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed 13 districts under an orange alert, warning of moderate rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and wind speeds reaching 30 to 40 km per hour. Districts under this alert include Dausa, Karauli, Jaipur, Sikar, Tonk, Jhunjhunu, Ajmer, and Bharatpur, among others.
An additional 13 districts remain under a yellow alert, where light to moderate rainfall and winds between 20 and 30 km per hour are expected. These areas include Sriganganagar, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Nagaur, Pali, Rajsamand, Udaipur, Bhilwara, Bundi, Baran, Kota, Chittorgarh, and Jalore.
Officials at the Meteorological Centre in Jaipur stated that northeastern Rajasthan is likely to experience the most intense impact of the current system. Residents have been advised to stay indoors during lightning activity and avoid taking shelter under trees. Authorities also recommended switching off electrical appliances during thunderstorms as a precaution.
Temperatures Drop Across the State
The influence of the western disturbance has resulted in a marked fall in both day and night temperatures. Sriganganagar recorded a maximum temperature of 24.4 degrees Celsius, reflecting a drop of nearly 5.7 degrees compared to previous readings. In several other districts, minimum temperatures declined by two to three degrees, bringing back mild cold conditions.
Meteorologists indicated that the system is expected to remain active for approximately two days. Temperatures may fall slightly further on February 19 before gradually rising again from February 20 as cloud cover reduces and clearer skies return.
Farmers Express Concern Over Crop Damage
The unseasonal rain has raised anxiety among farmers, particularly those cultivating mustard crops in Tonk and nearby regions. Reports from villages such as Gulabpura in Duni tehsil suggest that heavy rainfall and hail may have caused damage to standing crops. Farmers are closely monitoring the situation as the weather remains unsettled.
Agricultural experts caution that sudden showers and hailstorms during this stage of crop growth can affect yield and quality. Authorities have advised cultivators to remain vigilant and take protective measures wherever possible.
As Rajasthan continues to experience fluctuating weather conditions, officials are urging residents to follow safety advisories and stay updated with official forecasts. The coming days will determine the extent of the system’s impact on both daily life and agriculture across the state.