Winter Tightens Grip on Rajasthan as Mercury Plummets
Active western disturbances have cast a cloudy blanket across Rajasthan, triggering a sharp decline in temperatures that has residents reaching for their warmest woolens. The Indian Meteorological Department confirms that winter conditions are intensifying rapidly across the desert state, with the first week of December expected to bring particularly harsh weather.
Record Low Temperatures and Regional Impact
Lunkaransar in Bikaner district recorded the coldest temperature in the state at 5.9°C, setting the tone for what meteorologists predict will be a severe winter week. Following closely was Sriganganagar at 7.3°C, with other regions including Pilani and Churu reporting 8.5°C, and Sikar at 9°C.
The temperature drop has been most pronounced in northern Rajasthan, particularly affecting the Bikaner division and Shekhawati region. Residents in Churu, Fatehpur, Sikar, and Jhunjhunu districts have been battling icy winds and reduced visibility during morning hours.
Daily Life Disrupted by Intensifying Cold
The harsh weather conditions have significantly impacted normal activities across the region. Morning traffic movement faced disruptions due to poor visibility, while attendance at schools, markets, and public gatherings dropped noticeably. Many daily-wage laborers and roadside vendors experienced delayed starts to their workdays as the cold wave intensified.
In Jaipur, residents woke up to cloudy skies with the minimum temperature settling at 13.3°C. The city experienced a maximum of 26°C during afternoon hours, though temporary cloud cover provided little relief from the developing cold conditions.
IMD's Chilling Forecast for Coming Days
According to meteorological officials, the situation is likely to worsen before it improves. Minimum temperatures may drop by up to 4°C in the coming week, potentially pushing readings into single digits across multiple regions.
As the western disturbance system clears out, cold wave conditions are expected to aggravate within the next 24 hours. The IMD has warned that dry northwesterly winds will likely cause steep temperature declines during nighttime hours.
For Jaipur specifically, temperatures are set to fall starting Monday, with Wednesday potentially bringing minimum temperatures down to 10°C or lower. The IMD has identified Bikaner, Jodhpur, and Jaipur divisions as areas most likely to experience severe winter conditions throughout the first week of December.
Other notable temperature recordings include Nagaur at 9.2°C, Jhunjhunu at 9.5°C, Karauli at 10°C, Dausa at 10.2°C, Bikaner at 10.8°C, Jaisalmer at 11°C, and Barmer at 13.6°C, painting a comprehensive picture of the widespread cooling affecting the state.
