Rajasthan weather alert: Severe heatwave to persist for next few days, IMD predicts

Heatwave and severe heatwave conditions are likely to persist across parts of western and northern Rajasthan for the next 2–3 days, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The highest temperature in the country on Friday was recorded in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, at 47.8°C. However, the IMD has also indicated that pre-monsoon activity may bring some relief in parts of East Rajasthan from June 15.

Temperature remains high in Rajasthan

Radhey Shyam Sharma, Director of the Meteorological Centre in Jaipur, told PTI, "In the last 24 hours, the temperature has increased by 1–2°C in many parts of the state. Heat waves, severe heat waves, and warm night conditions will likely continue for the next 2–3 days, especially in parts of western and northern Rajasthan. The highest maximum temperature reported in Sri Ganganagar (Rajasthan) is 47.8 degrees Celsius."

Relief likely after 48 hours

Sharma added that some parts of the state may begin to experience pre-monsoon activity in the next 24 to 48 hours. "After the next 24 to 48 hours, pre-monsoon activities will begin in some parts of the state. The monsoon activity has already increased in the last 2 days. In the coming days, conditions are favourable for the monsoon to progress in some parts of eastern and central India. We will see in Rajasthan as well. So, from June 15 to pre-monsoon activities in some parts of East Rajasthan. There will be a rise, and the temperature will drop by 2–4°C," he said.

Northwest India under heatwave watch

According to the IMD, a gradual reduction in heatwave intensity over northwest India is expected starting June 14. The forecast stated that no significant temperature change is expected over northwest and central India in the next three days, followed by a likely fall of 2 to 4 degrees Celsius thereafter.

Multiple states affected by heatwave

Apart from Rajasthan, heatwave conditions have also been reported in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, as well as in isolated parts of East Rajasthan, South Uttar Pradesh, and Northwest Madhya Pradesh.

Orange and yellow alerts issued across Rajasthan

On June 10, the IMD issued an orange alert for Sri Ganganagar and Hanumangarh. Yellow warnings were issued for Bikaner, Churu, Jhunjhunu, Alwar, Bharatpur, Karauli, and Dholpur.

Dust storms and thunderstorms predicted

Sharma further said, "Strong south-west winds, carrying dust, will prevail in the region for two to three days. Eastern Rajasthan may experience thunderstorm activities from June 15–16, bringing possible relief from the heat. A drop in temperature is expected in eastern Rajasthan around June 18–20 due to thunderstorm activities."

(Inputs from PTI)