Rajasthan Weather Update: Thunderstorms in South, Heatwave Grips North and West

Jaipur, May 20 – Rajasthan is currently witnessing an intense clash of weather systems, with some districts experiencing heavy thunderstorms and showers, while others continue to battle scorching heat and severe heatwave conditions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued weather fluctuations across the state in the coming days.

Thunderstorms and Rain Lash Southern Rajasthan

Districts such as Dungarpur, Jhalawar, Kota, Pratapgarh, and Banswara are on alert for thunderstorms with wind speeds of 40–50 km/h. Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious as sudden changes in weather conditions could pose safety risks.

In Udaipur, Monday afternoon brought unexpected relief when strong winds and rain swept through the city. However, the gusts uprooted a tree on Gulab Bagh Road, damaging nearby vehicles. A boat carrying 35 tourists capsized in Lake Fatehsagar, but fortunately, everyone was wearing life jackets and no casualties were reported.

Heatwave and Orange Alerts in Northern and Western Regions

While the southern districts are seeing showers, extreme heat continues to grip northern and western parts of the state. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for heatwaves in Sawai Madhopur and Tonk, while orange alerts for severe heat are in place for Jhunjhunu, Sriganganagar, and the broader Bikaner division, where the hot, dry winds have made daytime conditions unbearable.

Temperature readings underline the severity:

• Churu: 46.0°C

• Bikaner: 45.1°C

• Sriganganagar: 45.0°C

• Jaipur, Barmer, Dausa, Jaisalmer: Hovering around 44.0°C

Adding to the discomfort, minimum temperatures in 10 cities remained above 30°C, suggesting that even early mornings offer little relief from the heat.

Relief from Showers in Some Regions

In Chittorgarh and Bhilwara, sudden evening showers on Monday helped reduce the day’s accumulated heat and humidity. Rainfall lasted approximately 10 minutes in Chittorgarh, bringing noticeable cooling. Bhilwara, too, welcomed the brief downpour, which offered a welcome break after a sweltering afternoon.

Temples Turn to Tradition to Beat the Heat

In Bhilwara’s Dudhadhari Gopal Mandir, special arrangements have been made to shield the deity from the heat. Priest Kalyan Sharma shared that the temple has installed ‘khus’ screens (aromatic grass blinds) and adorned the idol in mulmul (muslin) fabric. The temple will conduct ‘Sheetal Seva’ (cooling service) rituals throughout the summer.

Forecast: Weather Extremes to Continue

The IMD has indicated that Rajasthan will continue to experience extreme weather over the next few days. While southern regions may see intermittent rain and windstorms, northern and western districts are likely to remain in the grip of intense heat. Residents are advised to stay hydrated, avoid peak sun hours, and remain indoors during adverse weather conditions.