Jaipur, January 6: The chilling cold wave in Rajasthan has intensified with dense fog engulfing several districts, drastically reducing visibility and making commuting difficult. On Monday morning, cities including Jaipur, Kota, Alwar, Dausa, Bharatpur, Ajmer, Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Churu, and Sikar experienced dense fog, causing a significant dip in temperature. Jaipur’s famous Nahargarh and Amer forts were shrouded in a thick blanket of mist, adding to the city’s winter charm. The maximum temperature across many districts dropped by 3 to 10 degrees Celsius on Sunday. An orange and yellow alert has been issued for dense fog in 19 districts, including Jaipur, Ajmer, Bharatpur, and Bikaner divisions.
Cold to Intensify Further
According to weather experts, the cold wave is expected to tighten its grip from January 8-9, even though foggy conditions may subside. A fresh western disturbance is likely to become active before Makar Sankranti, leading to cloudy weather and light to moderate rainfall in Jaipur, Bharatpur, Bikaner, and Ajmer divisions between January 10-12.
In the last 24 hours, several districts, including Sri Ganganagar and Hanumangarh, witnessed dense fog, resulting in a significant drop in daytime temperatures by up to 10 degrees Celsius. Sri Ganganagar recorded the lowest maximum temperature in the state at 13.5 degrees Celsius, followed by Hanumangarh at 15.3 degrees Celsius.
Temperature Overview
Here’s a quick look at temperatures recorded in major cities across Rajasthan on Sunday:
Jaipur: Max 20.7°C, Min 11°C
Ajmer: Max 26.8°C, Min 12.1°C
Alwar: Max 20°C, Min 7.9°C
Kota: Max 24°C, Min 11.4°C
Chittorgarh: Max 29.7°C, Min 9.6°C
Udaipur: Max 28.2°C, Min 9.1°C
Barmer: Max 25.4°C, Min 13.2°C
Jaisalmer: Max 22°C, Min 8.3°C
Jodhpur: Max 25.8°C, Min 11.2°C
Bikaner: Max 21.7°C, Min 9.8°C
Churu: Max 22.2°C, Min 9.6°C
Pilani: Max 21.2°C, Min 8.3°C
Sikar: Max 26°C, Min 10.5°C
Hanumangarh: Max 15.3°C, Min 10.3°C
Severe Drop in Daytime Temperatures
Several cities recorded a sharp dip in daytime temperatures:
- Sri Ganganagar: Max 13.5°C, Min 9.8°C
- Dholpur: Max 14.4°C, Min 9.3°C
- Mount Abu: Max 15.4°C, Min 6.4°C
- Fatehpur: Max 25.4°C, Min 10.7°C
- Karoli: Max 17.4°C, Min 10.6°C
Fog Disrupts Travel, Visibility Drops
On Monday morning, thick fog significantly reduced visibility across highways, causing vehicles to crawl at a slow pace. In Jaipur, visibility dropped to nearly 10 meters, forcing motorists to drive with headlights on even during the day. The Rajasthan Meteorological Department has advised caution while traveling, particularly during early mornings and late nights.
Upcoming Weather Forecast
Weather experts have predicted that the foggy conditions will ease from January 8 onwards. However, cold winds from northern India are expected to push down temperatures further, intensifying the chill. Between January 10-12, a western disturbance will bring cloudy weather and sporadic rainfall in parts of the state, particularly Jaipur, Bharatpur, Bikaner, and Ajmer divisions.
Residents are advised to take precautions, especially during nighttime when temperatures are likely to drop further. Schools and local authorities are also expected to implement necessary measures to safeguard children from the severe cold wave.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
