Red alert issued in Rajasthan as Barmer sizzles at 48.3 degree Celsius

Heatwave tightens grip on Rajasthan. Representational Image

Barmer turned into the hottest hotspot in the state on Tuesday, recording a searing 48.3 degrees Celsius the highest temperature logged in Rajasthan this season, while other parts of the state continued to bake under a relentless heatwave on Wednesday. The Meteorological Department issued red alerts for several districts.

Weather officials warned that the blistering conditions are expected to continue for at least the next two days, offering little relief from the intense summer spell, as per IANS reports.

Meteorological records show that the district had not breached the 48-degree mark before May 12 in over a decade, highlighting the unusual intensity of this year's early summer heat.

Western Rajasthan worst affected

The heatwave was particularly severe in western Rajasthan, where districts such as Barmer, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Bikaner recorded temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius.

Phalodi recorded 46.4 degrees Celsius, Jaisalmer touched 45.8 degrees Celsius, while Jodhpur recorded 44.6 degrees Celsius. Chittorgarh saw temperatures rise to 45.6 degrees Celsius, Kota touched 44.7 degrees Celsius, and Bikaner recorded 45 degrees Celsius.

Other districts also remained unusually hot. Churu and Pilani both recorded 44.5 degrees Celsius, Fatehpur touched 44 degrees Celsius, while Jhunjhunu recorded 44.8 degrees Celsius.

Officials said temperatures across Rajasthan are currently running "up to six degrees above normal," worsening discomfort for residents.

Rain and storms bring temporary relief in some areas

While western Rajasthan continued to battle extreme heat, some eastern and northern districts experienced rain and thunderstorm activity due to a western disturbance.

Districts such as Alwar and Bharatpur received evening rain and thunderstorms on Tuesday. Hailstorms were also reported in parts of Jhunjhunu, while strong winds and dust storms brought temporary relief in Dholpur.

The impact of the western disturbance was also seen in Deeg, Sikar, Churu, Hanumangarh, and Sri Ganganagar, where weather conditions changed briefly during the evening hours.

Jaipur remains hot despite rain alert

In Jaipur, despite forecasts of thunderstorms and rain, the weather remained mostly dry and hot throughout the day. Clear skies and strong hot winds continued in the city.

The maximum temperature in Jaipur reached 43.2 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, while the minimum temperature settled at 29.1 degrees Celsius.

Weather department issues warning

The Meteorological Department has warned that severe heatwave conditions are likely to continue over the next two days. Red alerts have been issued for several districts, while orange alerts remain in place for many others.

Officials have advised people to "avoid direct sunlight during peak afternoon hours" and stay hydrated as temperatures remain dangerously high across large parts of the state.

(With IANS Inputs)