Thunderstorm, rain alert across Rajasthan till April 4

Jaipur, April 2 (IANS) A strong weather system is set to become active across Rajasthan from Thursday, bringing thunderstorms, rain, and isolated hailstorms to several parts of the state till April 4, according to the Meteorological Centre, Jaipur.

Over the past 24 hours, weather conditions remained largely clear.

A noticeable shift was recorded in Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, and Bikaner, where cloud cover increased, and light to moderate winds began blowing on Wednesday afternoon. Light rain and drizzle were also reported in some border areas of Bikaner and Sri Ganganagar. Cloudy conditions were also observed in several districts, including Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Churu, Sikar, Jaipur, Nagaur, Barmer, Ajmer, Bhilwara, Jhunjhunu, and Tonk, leading to reduced sunlight and slight relief from the heat.

Maximum temperatures in key cities such as Barmer, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Kota, and Udaipur ranged between 35 and 36 degrees Celsius. In Sikar, cloud cover during the afternoon contributed to a marginal drop in temperature.

According to official data, the highest maximum temperature on Wednesday was recorded in Chittorgarh at 38.6 degrees Celsius, while the lowest minimum temperature was recorded in Alwar at 18.2 degrees Celsius. Other temperature readings included 35.5 degrees Celsius in Barmer, 35.4 degrees in Jodhpur and Bikaner, 35.8 degrees in Kota, 35 degrees in Alwar, 35.2 degrees in Udaipur, 34.5 degrees in Churu, and 33.6 degrees in Jaipur, Sikar, and Ajmer, while Sri Ganganagar recorded 32.4 degrees. During this period, light rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds was reported at isolated locations across the state.

The highest rainfall of 12 mm was recorded in Devgarh (Rajsamand). Meteorological Centre Director Radheshyam Sharma stated that the system will remain active on April 3 and 4, bringing cloudy skies and light to moderate rainfall in many districts.

Areas including Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Bikaner, Churu, Phalodi, Alwar, Jhunjhunu, Tonk, Sawai Madhopur, and Dausa may also experience strong winds and isolated hailstorms.

The impact of the system is expected to weaken from April 5, after which weather conditions across Rajasthan are likely to clear.