Dense fog enveloped several districts across Rajasthan on Monday, reducing visibility to as low as 10 metres in many areas.
On the outskirts of Jaipur, visibility dropped to just 10 metres, with similar conditions reported in border districts such as Jaisalmer and Sri Ganganagar.
The fog, combined with the influence of an active Western Disturbance over North India, caused unusual temperature patterns across the state. On Sunday, maximum temperatures in many cities dropped below 20°C.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a severe cold warning from Tuesday, forecasting further declines in temperatures.
Dense fog covered Jaisalmer from early Monday morning, reducing visibility near Sonar Fort. Over the past 24 hours, northeastern Rajasthan districts including Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Alwar, Bharatpur, Dholpur, Karauli, and Dausa recorded a sharp fall in daytime temperatures due to persistent fog. Sunday was the coldest day of the season so far in Alwar and Karauli, with maximum temperatures of 17°C and 17.8°C, respectively.
Fog and mist persisted from morning to late evening in both districts. Karauli experienced a drop of 7°C in maximum temperature, while Alwar recorded a fall of 5.4°C. Other cities, including Dausa, Sri Ganganagar, Kota, Pilani, Jaipur, Chittorgarh, and Jaisalmer, saw declines of 1 to 7°C. Light fog also persisted throughout the day in Sri Ganganagar. As a result, ‘cold day’ conditions were reported in several districts.
Cloud cover associated with the Western Disturbance has weakened northerly winds, leading to a rise in minimum temperatures and reducing the morning and evening chill. Night temperatures rose by up to 5°C on Sunday in some cities. The lowest minimum temperatures were recorded at 8.0°C in Pali and 8.9°C in Sirohi.
Radheshyam Sharma, Director of the Meteorological Centre in Jaipur, said the impact of the Western Disturbance would continue through Monday, with light cloud cover likely in some regions. He added, “From December 23, cold northerly winds will strengthen, leading to a drop of 3 to 4°C in minimum temperatures. Dense fog is also expected to persist in parts of northeastern and northwestern Rajasthan.”
— IANS
