Heavy Rain and Hailstorm Alert Across Rajasthan: Udaipur Sees First Winter Rain

Udaipur, December 27 : Rajasthan is set to witness a significant weather shift with widespread rain, hailstorms, and cold wave conditions predicted for the coming days. The City of Lakes, Udaipur, experienced its first winter showers late Thursday night, marking the beginning of the rain spell across the state. The Meteorological Department has issued alerts across multiple districts, with 29 areas expected to face moderate to heavy rainfall on December 27 and 28.

Udaipur Experiences First Winter Showers

Rain started in Udaipur around 2 AM on Thursday night with light drizzles turning into steady showers. Though brief, the rainfall brought relief and a refreshing ambiance to the city.

• The maximum daytime temperature rose to 21.4°C, up by 4.4°C from the previous day, providing slight relief from the cold.
• The minimum nighttime temperature dipped to 10.3°C, down by 0.1°C.

Despite the gloomy weather, tourists visiting Udaipur enjoyed the scenic views of the rain-soaked city, capturing picturesque shots of its iconic lakes.

Statewide Weather Advisory: Rain and Hailstorm Alerts

The Meteorological Department has warned of widespread rain and hailstorms in various parts of Rajasthan.

• Yellow Alert: Issued for 22 districts, including Jaipur, Ajmer, Sikar, Udaipur, and Pali.
• Orange Alert: Issued for 7 districts on December 27 due to the likelihood of intense rain and hailstorms.

Rainfall is expected to be heaviest on December 27, with the system gradually weakening by December 28. However, following the rain, a cold wave will grip the state, causing temperatures to plunge significantly.

Impact on Major Cities

Jaipur

Jaipur woke up to dense fog on Thursday, with visibility dropping to 200 meters in the early hours.

• Rain and hailstorm activity is likely to intensify in the Jaipur and Ajmer divisions on December 27.
• The city remained under heavy cloud cover throughout the day, with minimal sunlight.

Sikar

In Fatehpur, Sikar, visibility plummeted to 40 meters due to dense fog, causing traffic disruptions.

• Temperatures dropped to 3.5°C, one of the lowest recorded in the state.
• Drivers were forced to use headlights throughout the morning due to poor visibility.

Sawai Madhopur

Sawai Madhopur experienced visibility as low as 50 meters during Thursday morning’s dense fog.

• Maximum and minimum temperatures were recorded at 23°C and 13°C, respectively.
• A yellow alert remains in place for light to moderate rainfall in the district.

Other Cities

• Cities like Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Churu, and Mount Abu recorded daytime temperatures below 20°C on December 26.
• No city across Rajasthan recorded a maximum temperature above 24°C, with Barmer recording the highest at 23.4°C.

Cyclonic System in Action

Radhey Shyam Sharma, Director of the Jaipur Meteorological Center, explained the cause of the current weather conditions:

• A cyclonic circulation is active over southeast Rajasthan, triggering widespread rainfall since December 26.
• The system will peak on December 27, bringing heavy rain and hailstorms to 29 districts.
• By December 28, the system will weaken, but a cold wave from northern India will sweep across the state, causing minimum temperatures to drop drastically.

Tourism Amid the Weather Shift

Despite the cold and rainy conditions, tourists continue to flock to Udaipur, Jaipur, and other popular destinations across Rajasthan.

• Visitors in Udaipur were seen enjoying the rain-washed landscapes, capturing photographs of the mist-covered lakes and palaces.
• In Jaipur, fog and light rain added a unique charm to the city’s historical landmarks, attracting travelers despite reduced visibility.

What to Expect in the Coming Days

1. December 27:
   • Widespread rain and hailstorms expected across 29 districts.
   • Heavy rainfall likely in Jaipur, Ajmer, and nearby areas.
   • Fog and low visibility to persist in northern districts.
2. December 28:
   • Rainfall to subside, but temperatures will begin to drop.
   • Cold wave conditions will set in, driven by northern winds.
3. Post-December 28:
   • Minimum temperatures in several cities could fall below 5°C, with dense fog expected across the state.
   • Cold wave conditions will peak, making this one of the chilliest periods of the winter season.

Advisory for Residents and Tourists

• Travel Precautions: Drivers are advised to maintain caution due to poor visibility in foggy conditions.
• Clothing: Residents and tourists should dress warmly, especially as cold wave conditions intensify after December 28.
• Tourist Spots: While the rain and fog add charm to Rajasthan’s landscapes, visitors should plan their outings carefully to avoid disruptions.