Jaipur, May 1 (IANS) Following recent hailstorms across parts of Rajasthan, the Meteorological Department has issued a six-day alert for thunderstorms, rain, and gusty winds from May 1 to 6. The department has forecast rainfall across Jaipur, Bharatpur, Ajmer, Kota, Jodhpur, Bikaner, and Udaipur divisions during this period.

A ‘Yellow Alert’ has been issued for Saturday in several districts, including Ajmer, Alwar, Bharatpur, Dausa, Deeg, Dholpur, Jaipur, Jhunjhunu, Karauli, Sawai Madhopur, Sikar, Tonk, Barmer, Bikaner, Churu, Hanumangarh, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Nagaur, Phalodi, and Sri Ganganagar, warning of thunderstorms, lightning, and winds of 40–50 kmph.

In the last two days, districts such as Jhalawar witnessed heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and hail on Wednesday and Thursday, leading to a drop in temperatures and temporary relief from the heat. However, the sudden weather shift has raised concerns among farmers over potential crop damage.

Officials said the influence of active Western Disturbances will keep temperatures near normal in the first half of May. Weather conditions are expected to follow a pattern of hot days and cloudy evenings, with chances of thunderstorms and light rain on most days. The alert is likely to remain in effect at least until May 4.

Meanwhile, despite rainfall in several areas, daytime temperatures remained high on Thursday. Bikaner, Churu, and Phalodi recorded temperatures between 42 degree Celsius and 43 degrees Celsius, while Barmer and Jaisalmer touched 44 degrees Celsius Jaipur, the state capital, recorded a maximum temperature of 40.8 degrees Celsius with intense heat during the day. Dust storms and light drizzle were reported in the evening. Similar conditions are expected over the next 2–3 days.

In Udaipur, mercury hovered around 40 degrees Celsius for the second consecutive day, with minimum temperatures near 25 degrees Celsius. Heatwave-like conditions persist. In Ajmer, the city saw a maximum temperature of 39.8 degrees Celsius. Evening winds brought partial relief after a hot and humid day. Further in Alwar, cloud cover, strong winds, and light rain in the afternoon helped ease temperatures after intense heat earlier in the day. In Jodhpur, with temperatures around 40.5 degrees Celsius, heat conditions remain severe. Authorities have arranged water and cooling facilities for animals.

Sikar district recorded 39 degrees Celsius, with gusty winds and light rain in the afternoon providing some respite. Kota recorded a maximum of 40 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 21.4 degrees Celsius, with light rain in the evening. According to the Meteorological Centre in Jaipur, another Western Disturbance is expected to become active over the next 4–5 days, bringing the possibility of dust storms, thunderstorms, and scattered rainfall across the state. While this may offer relief from heatwave conditions, it could also disrupt agriculture and outdoor activities.

–IANS

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