Winter conditions intensified across parts of Rajasthan following the reactivation of a Western Disturbance, with temperatures dropping sharply in several districts and cold winds causing severe chill, especially during the night and early morning hours.
After nearly a week of dry weather, snowfall in the Himalayan foothills and a change in wind patterns brought cold northerly winds to the desert plains. In many areas, night temperatures fell by up to 7 degrees Celsius, significantly increasing the cold.
The Meteorological Department has forecast dry weather in western and southern Rajasthan over the next two days. However, dense fog and cold winds are expected to persist in northeastern regions, further intensifying the chill.
Fatehpur in Sikar district recorded a minimum temperature of 2.6 degrees Celsius on Wednesday morning — nearly 7 degrees lower than last Tuesday. Nagaur recorded a minimum temperature of 3.6 degrees Celsius.
In several areas, dew drops froze overnight, with water droplets on crops, trees and barns appearing frozen by morning.
For the past week, Fatehpur had experienced sunny days with night temperatures around 10 degrees Celsius. However, a sudden change in weather led to dense fog on Wednesday morning, keeping residents indoors until late morning hours.
Cold northeasterly winds also affected Jaipur, where the chill intensified from Tuesday evening. Fog covered the outskirts of the city on Wednesday morning.
The Meteorological Department warned that strong cold winds will continue, with colder mornings and evenings expected in Jaipur and other cities over the next 24 hours. Meteorologists have also issued a weekend alert, cautioning that a further change in wind patterns may bring icy northern winds into Rajasthan’s plains.
Night temperatures in some areas could approach freezing levels in the coming days.
The IMD has issued a cold wave and fog alert for northern and western districts, including Jaisalmer, Bikaner and Churu.
–IANS
