Jaipur, May 25 – The onset of Nautapa in Rajasthan has brought intense and unexpected weather changes across the state, with severe dust storms sweeping through the desert districts of Jaisalmer and Barmer, while Udaipur, Rajsamand, and several other regions experienced heavy rain and thunderstorms. The widespread atmospheric upheaval led to a significant dip in temperatures—by as much as 10°C in several areas—providing temporary respite from the extreme summer heat.
Dust and Chaos in Western Rajasthan
On Sunday morning, Jaisalmer and Barmer woke up to a thick blanket of dust shrouding their skies, making visibility poor and daily activities difficult. Barmer, in particular, was hit by powerful winds on Sunday evening, with residents witnessing gusty conditions and reduced visibility due to the sand-laden air. A similar dust storm swept through late Saturday night, clocking wind speeds of up to 80 km/h.
Udaipur, Rajsamand Relieved by Sudden Rain
Contrastingly, southern Rajasthan enjoyed much-needed relief as rainstorms broke the heat spell. By Sunday afternoon, clouds rolled into Udaipur and Rajsamand, bringing brief but intense showers. In Rajsamand, strong winds and a 20-minute spell of rain cooled the region dramatically. Rajsamand Lake came alive with waves rising up to 3–4 feet, with many locals seen enjoying the refreshing change in weather.
In Udaipur, the day began with harsh sunlight, but by evening the skies turned dark, followed by a thunderous downpour. The sudden shift in conditions was welcomed by residents, who had been enduring soaring temperatures for weeks.
Temperatures Plummet Across Rajasthan
Meteorological data from Sunday confirmed that the storms and rains had a significant cooling effect across many districts. Maximum daytime temperatures fell by 1°C to 10°C, especially in regions that had been recording extreme heat until Saturday. In cities like Churu, Sriganganagar, Sikar, Pilani, and Jaipur—where mercury levels had crossed 42°C—temperatures failed to touch even 40°C on Sunday.
Hanumangarh recorded the lowest maximum temperature of the day at 32.5°C. A heavy storm and 53 mm of rain between Friday night and Saturday morning soaked the district, damaging stored wheat and mustard crops in grain markets. Pilani also received nearly 2 inches of rainfall, cooling the area significantly.
Storm Warnings and Local Damages
The Jaipur Meteorological Centre has issued a high heat alert for 11 districts on May 26. However, more storms and rains are predicted between May 27 and 29 across large parts of Rajasthan.
Widespread damage has been reported due to high winds:
-
In Sikar, strong winds toppled electric poles and old walls. A tin shed and household items were damaged, though no injuries were reported. A tree collapsed on a bus near the main market.
-
In Bhiwadi (Khairthal-Tijara district), a house wall collapsed due to the storm, tragically killing a mother and her young daughter.
-
In Churu, a power pole fell on a parked car during a Saturday night storm in Sardarshahar, wrecking the vehicle. The area remains without electricity as poles and transformers were destroyed.
Human Cost and Community Response
The abrupt storms caught many off guard, especially during ongoing religious events. In Dholpur, heavy rain flooded a Bhagwat Katha venue at a local school, forcing attendees to drain water with makeshift tools.
Despite the destruction, the rains have also offered much-needed relief to farmers, school children, and the general public, breaking a long spell of scorching heat and hinting at the arrival of pre-monsoon activity.
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.
