Heatwave grips Jaisalmer as temperature soars past 39°C in March

The desert city of Jaisalmer is witnessing an unusually early surge in temperatures, with heatwave-like conditions setting in as early as the second week of March.

Temperatures in the region have already crossed 39 degrees Celsius, levels more commonly experienced in May or June. The sharp rise has prompted the India Meteorological Department to issue a yellow heatwave alert for the district on Tuesday.

Locals say the heat this month feels unprecedented.

Suresh Chura, a resident of Jaisalmer, said, “The situation here is bad as there is intense heat, and there are also loo (hot wind)–like conditions. Even the weather department has issued a warning for the next two days. We are trying to protect ourselves from the loo by finding shade and moving around within shaded areas."

He added that such heat in March is unusual for the region.

“Such heat has never been seen in March before. Earlier, the cold used to last until Holi. After Holi, Basoda was celebrated, and only after that would the temperature start to rise..”

With the sun blazing overhead, residents moving through markets and streets are trying to cope by staying hydrated, seeking shade and covering themselves to avoid direct exposure.

Another resident, Upendra Acharya, said,“The daily routine has been affected a lot. There are loo (hot wind)–like conditions due to the intense heat. To protect themselves from the heatwave, people are finding shade and drinking liquids. If the heat continues to persist like this, then in the coming days more intense heatwaves will be witnessed in the region..”

As per the reports from the India Meteorological Department, hot weather conditions are likely to persist in several parts of Rajasthan over the next few days, raising concerns about an early onset of extreme summer temperatures in the region.