JAIPUR: Rajasthan is bracing itself for significant weather changes as mild to moderate showers swept across various districts on Thursday. The state, already enduring severe cold conditions, is expecting the rain and hailstorms to begin, largely influenced by an incoming western disturbance.
The Meteorological Centre located in Jaipur has recorded maximum temperatures across Rajasthan at or below 22°C, with Fatehpur being the coldest area at just 3.8°C. Jaipur residents awoke to relatively higher minimum temperatures of around 13°C but faced a chilly afternoon, where maximum readings barely managed to hit 21.2°C.
This weather system, described as induced cyclonic winds, has become active over southeastern Rajasthan, leading to forecasts indicating widespread rainfall commencing on Thursday. The peak impact of these weather changes is anticipated to be felt until December 28, with rain expected to fall across many districts including Udaipur, Ajmer, Kota, Jaipur, Bharatpur, and Bikaner.
Dense fog blanketed parts of the state, especially early Thursday morning, reducing visibility to as low as 30 to 40 meters. This hazardous fog prompted many motorists to drive at cautious speeds, headlights on, as they navigated through the thick haze.
“The visibility in Jaipur was reduced to approximately 200 meters at 7 a.m., and the sun was obscured,” reported the Meteorological Department. Similar conditions were observed throughout other districts such as Fatehpur Shekhawati and Kota, raising safety concerns on the roads.
Considering the current weather situation, Radheshyam Sharma, Director of the Meteorological Center, noted, “An induced cyclonic wind system has become active over southeastern Rajasthan.” This system is expected to bring about widespread rain, with half of the state on alert for precipitation.
On December 28, rain is forecasted for 23 districts, including the capital, Jaipur. Meteorological officials did not shy away from cautioning residents about possible hailstorms during this period, advising them to prepare accordingly.
Other areas reported similar extreme cold, with temperatures recorded at 4.3°C in Sangaria (Hanumangarh), 5°C at Churu, and 6.5°C at Ganganagar. The situation is expected to worsen as cold wave conditions slide down from northern India, pushing nighttime temperatures to potentially plunge even lower than 5°C across many regions.
The Met office issued orange alerts for seven districts on December 27, followed by yellow alerts signaling the potential for rains and hailstorms across 22 districts on the following day. On Friday, December 27, as many as 29 districts may experience cloudy weather, accompanied by light to moderate rain, and possible thunder with lightning strikes.
The transition to increased precipitation and low temperatures marks not only significant changes but also poses challenges for daily life as residents navigate through dropping temperatures and weather advisories. The mounting cold wave is projected to influence various sectors, including transport and daily commuting.
After the cyclonic system begins to weaken post-December 28, residents might find daytime temperatures struggling to remain above 20°C. Meteorologists also predict the persistent fog to envelope many areas, driven by chilly northern winds, which will compound the cold wave conditions for the foreseeable future.
For those living and traveling within the affected areas, staying informed about the weather updates provided by the Meteorological Department is urged as conditions may fluctuate rapidly.
Rajasthan is not just seeing localized changes; these broader weather patterns reflect significant shifts influenced by larger climatic variables. This situation stands as a reminder of how interconnected weather systems can affect daily life, bringing unexpected challenges and necessitating attunement to forecasts.
With weather conditions continuing to evolve, residents are advised to remain alert to updates and take necessary precautions as the cold wave and its associated phenomena roll through the region.
Stay tuned for more updates as Rajasthan continues to weather through this chilly spell, monitoring the alterations in its climate and adapting accordingly.
