Weather Disrupts Life in Rajasthan: Rain, Storms Hit Jaipur, Bikaner, and Several Cities
Jaipur, February 19, 2025 A sudden change in Rajasthan’s weather, triggered by an active Western Disturbance, brought rain and strong winds to several cities on Wednesday. Jaipur, Fatehpur, Churu, Sriganganagar, Bikaner, and Jaisalmer witnessed light to moderate rainfall, with heavy winds causing damage in some areas.
In Bikaner, strong winds accompanied by rain led to the collapse of an electricity pole in Pawanpuri, damaging two parked cars. Meanwhile, Jaipur saw a spell of drizzle with gusty winds late in the evening, while 17 cities across the state recorded daytime temperatures above 30°C. Despite the showers, all major cities experienced minimum temperatures above 10°C.
Sudden Change in Weather Across Rajasthan
According to the Jaipur Meteorological Department, the active Western Disturbance over Southwest Rajasthan and parts of Pakistan caused the sudden shift in weather patterns. As a result, multiple districts in the Bikaner, Jaipur, and Bharatpur divisions recorded:
- Afternoon thunderstorms
- Scattered light rainfall
- Wind speeds of 30-40 km/h
In Jaisalmer and Phalodi, thunderstorms were accompanied by isolated showers, adding to the unstable weather conditions.
Jaipur Sees Cloud Cover, Light Drizzle, and Temperature Fluctuations
The state capital Jaipur experienced scattered cloud cover throughout the day, creating intermittent periods of sunshine as the sun peeked through the clouds.
By evening, strong winds and drizzles swept across the city, leading to:
- A 1°C increase in the maximum temperature, which stood at 28.5°C
- A 1°C drop in the minimum temperature, recorded at 15.8°C
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Jaipur is expected to witness similar weather fluctuations on Thursday.
Bikaner Hit by Strong Winds and Rain, Electric Pole Collapse Causes Damage
Among the affected cities, Bikaner witnessed severe weather conditions. Heavy winds, combined with rain, led to the collapse of an electricity pole in the Pawanpuri area, resulting in damage to two vehicles.
Eyewitnesses reported that the winds gained intensity in the afternoon, followed by showers, reducing visibility and causing minor traffic disruptions in several areas.
Statewide Temperature Trends: 17 Cities Cross 30°C
Despite the rain and strong winds, Rajasthan continued to record high daytime temperatures, with several regions exceeding 30°C:
- Jalore recorded the highest temperature at 34.3°C, making it the hottest place in Rajasthan.
- Barmer saw the warmest night, with a minimum temperature of 19.2°C.
Other cities recording above 30°C included:
Bhilwara Banasthali Chittorgarh Dabok Barmer Jaisalmer Jodhpur Phalodi Churu Dholpur Jalore Dungarpur Dausa Fatehpur Nagaur Lunkaransar Pratapgarh
Weather Forecast for February 20
IMD has issued an alert predicting:
Light rainfall in northern Rajasthan Mostly dry weather across the rest of the state A drop of 3-4°C in both minimum and maximum temperatures over the next 48 hours
According to Radheyshyam Sharma, Director of the Jaipur Meteorological Center, the current weather shift is due to an induced circulation system over Southwest Rajasthan and Pakistan.
“The impact of thunderstorms and light rain will be limited to northern Rajasthan on February 20, while most other parts will experience dry weather. We expect a noticeable drop in temperature in the coming days,” he stated.
Impact on Agriculture and Daily Life
The sudden weather change has brought mixed reactions among Rajasthan’s residents, particularly farmers, who are concerned about its impact on winter crops like wheat, mustard, and pulses.
According to agricultural expert Dr. Vinod Meena, unseasonal rain and strong winds can damage crops that are in the harvesting stage.
“Light rainfall may benefit some crops, but if the showers continue or intensify, it could lead to significant crop damage, especially in areas like Sriganganagar, Hanumangarh, and Churu, which have extensive mustard and wheat farming,” he explained.
Delhi and Neighboring States Also Experience Weather Fluctuations
The impact of the Western Disturbance is not limited to Rajasthan. Delhi, Punjab, and Haryana have also reported cloudy skies, strong winds, and a slight dip in temperatures.
Meteorologists suggest that the current disturbance will weaken by February 21, leading to clear skies and stable temperatures across North India.
Precautionary Measures and Public Advisory
Authorities have urged residents to take precautions during strong winds and rain:
Avoid parking vehicles near electric poles or trees Carry an umbrella or raincoat while traveling Farmers should secure crops and prepare for potential hailstorms Monitor official weather updates for alerts and advisories
Will Rajasthan See More Rain in the Coming Weeks?
According to IMD’s extended weather outlook, Rajasthan may experience another spell of scattered showers in early March due to another Western Disturbance approaching the Himalayan region.
However, temperatures are expected to gradually rise after February 22, ushering in warmer pre-summer conditions across the state.
Conclusion: Unseasonal Weather Keeps Rajasthan on Edge
The sudden rains, strong winds, and fluctuating temperatures have created a dynamic weather scenario across Rajasthan.
Jaipur experienced mild drizzles and gusty winds Bikaner witnessed storm-like conditions, leading to infrastructure damage Several cities continued to record high daytime temperatures despite the rainfall Meteorologists predict a drop in temperature over the next two days
As Rajasthan navigates through this unseasonal weather, residents and farmers must stay alert and take necessary precautions to adapt to the rapidly changing climatic conditions.
