Several parts of Rajasthan witnessed rain, strong winds and hailstorm activity on Tuesday under the influence of an active Western disturbance, prompting the Jaipur Meteorological Centre to issue an orange alert in multiple districts, including the state capital.
The weather office has forecast light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunder, lightning and strong winds gusting at 40–50 km per hour in districts such as Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Phalodi, Jodhpur, Dausa, Bikaner, Nagaur, Pali and Sri Ganganagar, along with adjoining areas. Isolated hailstorms are also likely in these regions.
A yellow alert has been issued for Hanumangarh, Barmer, Churu, Tonk, Bhilwara, Jhunjhunu, Ajmer, Alwar, Bharatpur, Karauli, Dholpur, Sikar, Bundi, Kota and Sawai Madhopur, where light to moderate rain, thunderstorms, gusty winds (20–30 km per hour) and isolated hailstorms are expected.
Unseasonal rain and strong winds have caused damage to crops in Jaisalmer district, particularly in areas such as Mohangarh, Lathi and Ramdevra. Farmers reported losses to crops like cumin (jeera) and isabgol.
Rainfall activity has continued since Monday night in parts of Nagaur district, with hailstorms reported in Degana on Tuesday morning. Drizzle was also recorded in Didwana. In view of the adverse weather, mandis in Nagaur and Merta remained closed for the day.
Jaipur and surrounding regions experienced cool winds and light rain since early morning, while temperatures dropped across districts including Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Sri Ganganagar.
The Meteorological Centre has indicated that several areas may receive 20–50 mm of rainfall.
According to Meteorological Centre Director Radheshyam Sharma, the impact of the weather system is likely to persist until Wednesday, with conditions expected to improve from April 9 onwards.
Intermittent rainfall continued in Jaipur through the day, bringing down temperatures by 1–2 degrees Celsius. In Bikaner, thunder and cool winds began around 3 a.m., followed by rain at 4 a.m. and heavy showers by 7.30 a.m.
Border districts such as Sri Ganganagar also witnessed changing weather conditions, with intermittent rain, strong winds and lightning reported in several areas.
-IANS
