The heatwave gripping parts of Rajasthan is expected to intensify over the next few days, the India Meteorological Department has warned. With the recent impact of western disturbances having subsided, heatwave conditions are likely to worsen across many districts, officials said.
The weather agency has issued specific warnings for the Jodhpur division and parts of western Rajasthan. Additionally, hot nights are forecast for April 28 and 29.
Barmer recorded the highest maximum temperature in the state, reaching 46.1 degrees Celsius — four degrees above normal. Heatwave conditions were reported across the Jodhpur division, while dry weather persisted in the rest of Rajasthan, officials added.
Meanwhile, Sangaria in Hanumangarh district recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 19.9 degrees Celsius.
Observations at 8:30 a.m. today indicated average humidity levels ranging between 20% and 50% across most parts of the state. The weather centre has also predicted heatwave conditions at some locations in eastern Rajasthan on April 29 and 30.
Temperatures are expected to rise by 2–3 degrees Celsius in the coming days, with maximum temperatures likely to reach 44–46 degrees Celsius in parts of the Jodhpur and Bikaner divisions.
However, a slight respite is anticipated in the first week of May, with temperatures expected to dip following storm and rain activity.
On Sunday, 14 cities across Rajasthan reported daytime temperatures above 41 degrees Celsius. Following Barmer, Jaisalmer recorded 45.5 degrees Celsius, Jodhpur 43.5 degrees Celsius, and Bhilwara 42 degrees Celsius, among others.
In western Rajasthan, almost all districts reported maximum temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius, while in eastern Rajasthan, all but four districts saw temperatures crossing the 40-degree mark.
(With IANS inputs)