Jaipur: A red alert for heatwave has been issued in Rajasthan as temperatures soar across the state, with Barmer and Jaisalmer reaching alarming highs of 45.6 and 45.4 degrees Celsius, respectively. The Meteorological Department has warned that the intense heat will continue, affecting daily life and public health.
As of April 8, 2025, Rajasthan is grappling with severe heatwave conditions, prompting the issuance of orange alerts in six districts and yellow alerts in twelve others. The state has been experiencing a relentless rise in temperatures, with the maximums recorded in various districts causing concern among residents and officials alike.
In the last 24 hours, the highest temperatures were noted in Barmer at 45.6 degrees Celsius and Jaisalmer at 45.4 degrees Celsius. Other districts also reported significant highs: Sri Ganganagar, Jodhpur, and Churu reached 43.3 degrees Celsius; Bikaner hit 44.3; Phalodi recorded 43.4; Chittorgarh saw 44.4; Kota reached 44.1; and Jaipur recorded 41.8 degrees Celsius. The situation is dire, with temperatures exceeding normal levels by 5 to 7 degrees Celsius in many areas.
The heat is expected to persist, with forecasts indicating that temperatures could rise further in the coming days. The Meteorological Department has issued alerts for a heatwave and warm nights across five divisions of the state, specifically targeting Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Kota, and Jaipur. There is a particular concern for the Jodhpur, Bikaner, and Kota divisions, where severe heatwaves are anticipated.
Adding to the woes of residents, the weather department has predicted that the intense heat will be accompanied by warm winds, particularly in Chittorgarh and Kota. The scorching conditions are likely to continue until April 9, 2025, with temperatures potentially reaching 46 degrees Celsius.
However, there may be a glimmer of hope on the horizon. The weather department has indicated that a new western disturbance is expected to become active from April 10 to April 11, 2025. This disturbance could bring slight relief from the oppressive heat, with forecasts suggesting the possibility of light rain and thunderstorms in the western and northern parts of the state. This could lead to a decrease in temperatures by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius.
Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot expressed his concerns over the extreme weather conditions, highlighting that the heatwaves are arriving earlier each year due to climate change. He stated, "This is an unprecedented situation. The weather department has predicted the likelihood of heatwaves starting in the second week of April. We must prepare for the effects of global warming. The state government needs to ensure proper arrangements to combat these heatwave conditions, similar to the winter shelters established for the cold months. Public places should have shaded, ventilated areas, and hospitals must be fully equipped to handle heat-related emergencies."
As the heat continues to intensify, residents are advised to take precautions. The weather department has urged the public to limit outdoor activities during peak heat hours and stay hydrated. Additionally, the situation has been exacerbated by water scarcity in Jodhpur, where the supply from the Indira Gandhi Canal has been disrupted, leading to water cuts and shortages for residents.
On April 8, 2025, the maximum temperatures recorded across various districts were as follows: Ajmer at 42.1 degrees, Alwar at 41.5 degrees, Jaipur at 41.8 degrees, Sikar at 41.5 degrees, Kota at 44.1 degrees, Chittorgarh at 44.4 degrees, Barmer at 45.6 degrees, Jaisalmer at 45.4 degrees, Jodhpur at 43.3 degrees, Bikaner at 44.3 degrees, Churu at 43.3 degrees, and Sri Ganganagar at 43.3 degrees. Mount Abu, known for its cooler climate, recorded a maximum of 31.4 degrees Celsius.
As residents brace for the continuing heat, the government is under pressure to respond effectively to the challenges posed by the extreme weather. With alerts in place and the potential for further temperature increases, the coming days will be critical for the state's residents and officials alike. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the impacts of climate change and the urgent need for effective measures to mitigate its effects.
In summary, Rajasthan is currently facing a severe heatwave, with temperatures soaring and alerts issued across multiple districts. While some relief may be on the way with the anticipated western disturbance, the immediate future remains concerning as residents cope with the intense heat and its implications for health and daily life.
