The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that New Year in Rajasthan is expected to begin on a chilly note, with cold winds and winter showers likely in parts of the state.
According to the IMD, a western disturbance is set to become active on December 31 and January 1, bringing light rainfall to northern and western Rajasthan. The rain is mainly expected in districts of the Bikaner division and the Shekhawati region, including Bikaner, Churu, Sikar, Jhunjhunu and adjoining areas.
Weather officials warned that the activation of the system could intensify cold winds, leading to a further dip in temperatures. Dense fog is also likely in some places during the first week of January.
Radheshyam Sharma, Director of the Meteorological Centre in Jaipur, said a new and strong western disturbance would result in cloudy conditions over parts of the Bikaner division and the Shekhawati region on December 31 and January 1. He added that light rain or drizzle may occur at isolated locations.
On December 31, cloudy skies are expected in Bikaner, Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Churu, Jhunjhunu and Sikar districts. On January 1, similar conditions are likely in Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Churu, Jhunjhunu and Alwar, with a possibility of light rain or drizzle at a few places.
Meanwhile, night temperatures have dipped sharply across the state. On Sunday, 23 cities recorded minimum temperatures below 10°C, while seven cities fell below 5°C.
Several places, including Mount Abu, Fatehpur, Karauli, Dausa, Pali and Sikar, reported single-digit minimum temperatures. Pali recorded a low of 3.6°C, Sikar 5.0°C, Churu 6.3°C, Lunkaransar 7.2°C, Alwar 4.8°C, Jaipur 8.5°C, Ajmer 9.7°C and Kotanis 11.1°C.
The IMD said minimum temperatures are likely to remain near normal over the next three to four days, but cold conditions will persist due to chilly winds.
(IANS)
