Rajasthan heatwave intensifies: IMD issues yellow alert for 19 districts as temperatures cross 45°C

Heatwave conditions tightened their grip across Rajasthan as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for 19 districts for Monday and Tuesday, warning that maximum temperatures are likely to remain between 42 and 45 degrees Celsius. The latest weather update comes as several cities recorded extreme daytime heat, while unusually high night temperatures added to public discomfort across the state.

According to the Meteorological Department, the heatwave is expected to intensify further this week in western, northern and eastern parts of Rajasthan. Barmer recorded the highest maximum temperature in the state at 45.4 degrees Celsius, while Sirohi registered the lowest minimum temperature at 22.6 degrees Celsius.

Clear skies and intense sunlight pushed temperatures sharply higher on Sunday. Bikaner recorded 45 degrees Celsius, followed by Jaisalmer at 44.9 degrees Celsius and Phalodi at 44.8 degrees Celsius. Temperatures also remained extremely high in Chittorgarh (44.6°C), Kota and Vanasthali in Tonk district (44.2°C), Sri Ganganagar (44.1°C), Jodhpur (43.8°C) and Churu (43.6°C).

The heatwave has now started impacting nighttime temperatures as well, reducing relief after sunset. Hanumangarh recorded the hottest night in the state with a minimum temperature of 33.2 degrees Celsius. Night temperatures remained unusually high in Chittorgarh (32.6°C), Phalodi (32.2°C), Barmer (32°C), Jodhpur (31.1°C), Kota (30.1°C) and Jaisalmer (30°C).

Meteorologists said the sharp rise in minimum temperatures is increasing discomfort levels and making heatwave conditions more severe, especially during nighttime hours.

In Jaipur, temperatures rose for the third consecutive day amid strong sunshine throughout Sunday. The maximum temperature climbed by 1.3 degrees to 42.7 degrees Celsius, while the minimum settled at 28.6 degrees Celsius. The IMD has forecast similar weather conditions over the next three to four days, with temperatures likely to rise by another 1 to 2 degrees.

What is the situation in Rajasthan cities?

Kota continued to reel under severe heatwave conditions with the maximum temperature touching 44.2 degrees Celsius and the minimum remaining at 30.1 degrees Celsius. The scorching weather significantly reduced movement during afternoon hours, with roads remaining largely deserted between 11 am and 4 pm.

In several gaushalas across the region, coolers have been installed and water is being sprayed on cows multiple times a day to protect them from the extreme heat.

Ajmer also witnessed severe heatwave conditions as hot winds, locally known as Loo, swept through the city. The maximum temperature crossed 42.4 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature hovered around 27 degrees Celsius.

Jodhpur continued to report above-normal temperatures, with the maximum temperature reaching 43.8 degrees Celsius, nearly 2.3 degrees above normal. The minimum temperature stood at 31.1 degrees Celsius, around 3 degrees above seasonal averages.

The Meteorological Department has advised residents to avoid direct exposure to sunlight during afternoon hours, stay hydrated and take precautions against heat-related illnesses as heatwave conditions are expected to persist across Rajasthan in the coming days.

With IANS inputs