Rajasthan again hit by cold summer rain; crops spoilt

JAIPUR: Moderate to heavy rain and hailstorm lashed several parts of Rajasthan in the last 24 hours, affecting normal life and increasing worries for farmers whose post-harvested crops have already been destroyed owing to untimely rain last month, a MeT official said.

A high intensity Western Disturbance (WD) risen from the Caspian Sea on April 11 had been easing out initially. However, it caused moderate to heavy rain in most places in Rajasthan in the last two days, B N Vishnoi, state MeT director, said.

Generally, the WD has been a routine weather activity but this time, it was coupled with moisture received from the Bay of Bengal and Arabian sea, which caused rain and hailstorm in recent two months, Vishnoi said.

The southern region of Udaipur division recorded the maximum rainfall of four cm till 0830 hrs on , he said.

The current WD would be passing out soon but the rain would continue till evening in parts of the state, he said, adding, next seven days are likely to be WD-free and temperature would rise during day up to 45 degrees Celsius.

A fresh WD would creep from the Caspian Sea and hit the state when the mercury would cross 40 to 45 degrees Celsius, the director said.

In last two days, not only has the mercury dipped from one to nine degrees Celsius during the night, but the people also experienced cold winds after cloudy weather, he said.

Meanwhile Nawa, Udaipur-vati, Sapotra recorded the maximum rainfall of three cm, Srimadhopur, Roopwas, Baseri, Bayana, Bari recorded the maximum rainfall of two cm, while Dabhok recorded a minimum rainfall of 5.4 mm, Udaipur city 3.8, Vanasthali 2.3, Chittorgarh 2.0, and Jaipur traces.

Mercury would slowly rise in all parts of the state in next 24 hours with the passing out of WD, a forecast said.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitely and Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh had visited Rajasthan last month after the untimely rainfall.

They had assured that the central teams will visit the state so adequate compensation can be provided to farmers who have suffered extensive losses.

The state government had also forwarded a memorandum to the centre for help.