A massive black-and-yellow dust storm swept through Churu, Rajasthan, on Saturday, engulfing the area and severely reducing visibility as thick clouds of sand covered the landscape. The storm, which originated in the desert region, created a dramatic scene as residents scrambled for cover.
Severe Storm in Bikaner
A severe storm also triggered a huge wall of dust in Bikaner during the afternoon, marking another episode of intense weather activity across the desert state. The wall of dust, visible from a distance, moved rapidly, causing panic among locals and disrupting normal life.
IMD Forecast
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said that thunderstorms, dust storms and rainfall are likely to continue in several parts of Rajasthan over the next few days under the influence of a western disturbance. The western disturbance, originating from the Mediterranean region, is expected to bring widespread weather changes.
Recent Rainfall Data
In the last 24 hours, multiple districts witnessed strong thunderstorms and rain. Bari in Dholpur recorded the highest rainfall at 58 mm, according to officials. Other areas also received significant precipitation, providing some relief from the heat.
Weather Warning for Divisions
The Meteorological Centre in Jaipur has forecast thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds reaching 60–70 kmph, along with light to moderate rainfall in isolated areas across the Bikaner, Jaipur, Ajmer, Bharatpur, Kota, Jodhpur and Udaipur divisions later in the day. Residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
Hailstorm and Lightning Alert
The weather office has also warned of possible hailstorms and lightning in some regions. Officials said the unstable weather conditions are expected to persist for the next four to five days. Due to this, maximum temperatures are likely to remain below 44°C in most areas, offering some relief from the ongoing heatwave across the state.
