Large parts of Rajasthan faced severe weather disruptions on Friday as a combination of dense fog, a biting cold wave, and isolated rainfall swept across the state. The conditions, attributed to active western disturbances, brought normal life to a standstill in several areas and signaled a sharper drop in temperatures over the coming days.
Fog and Chill Disrupt Daily Life
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that active western disturbances were responsible for altering the weather pattern. This led to widespread fog formation, isolated showers, and a significant plunge in night temperatures. The Met office issued a warning that the cold wave conditions are likely to intensify from Saturday onwards, with an average fall of around three degrees Celsius expected across the state.
Visibility dropped drastically in the Bikaner and Bharatpur divisions, where dense fog and mist were reported. On key highways like Bikaner–Sriganganagar, Bikaner–Hanumangarh, and Dausa–Bharatpur, visibility fell to as low as 50 meters, causing chaotic traffic conditions. Motorists were compelled to slow down or stop entirely on several stretches due to the poor visibility.
Temperature Plunge and Rainfall
Sirohi emerged as the coldest place in Rajasthan, recording a minimum temperature of 7.2 degrees Celsius. Light rainfall was reported in parts of southwest Rajasthan, with Nainwa in Bundi district receiving 7 mm of rain. In a notable trend, the gap between day and night temperatures narrowed in some locations, indicating persistent cold throughout the day. For instance, Bikaner recorded a maximum of 15.2°C and a minimum of 7.8°C.
Jaipur experienced a relatively warmer morning with a minimum temperature of 11.8 degrees Celsius, nearly four degrees above normal. However, the city witnessed a chilly afternoon with the maximum temperature settling at 21 degrees Celsius, only 0.8 degrees above normal. The respite was brief, as the Met forecast for Saturday predicts Jaipur's minimum temperature to drop to around 8 degrees Celsius or lower. Fog was also observed in and around the capital during the early morning hours.
Forecast and Wider Impact
The prevailing conditions have significantly disrupted daily routines and vehicular movement. The Met department's forecast suggests no immediate relief, with the cold wave set to tighten its grip. The combination of intensifying cold and prolonged foggy mornings is expected to continue affecting the region, advising residents to take necessary precautions against the harsh weather.
