Hailstorms and Heavy Rain Cause Havoc Across Rajasthan
A sudden and intense spell of rain accompanied by severe hailstorms swept across multiple districts of Rajasthan on Tuesday, causing significant damage to standing crops and bringing a temporary respite from the escalating summer heat. The meteorological department reported that despite a marginal decrease in temperatures statewide, Kota remained the hottest location, recording a maximum temperature of 37.9 degrees Celsius.
Widespread Crop Damage and Farmer Concerns
Districts including Jodhpur, Ajmer, Sriganganagar, Hanumangarh, Churu, and Sikar experienced hailstorms, raising serious concerns among farmers as crucial crops like wheat, mustard, and gram are nearing harvest. In Tonk district, strong winds and hail lashed the Malpura and Lamba Hari Singh areas, resulting in extensive damage to both standing crops and harvested produce left in the fields.
Farmers were observed urgently covering their harvested wheat with tarpaulins in an effort to minimize financial losses. The hailstorm in Khairthal-Tijara persisted for nearly 20 minutes, covering fields in a white blanket and exacerbating crop damage. Officials have advised affected farmers to report crop losses through toll-free helplines or by contacting local agriculture department offices to seek compensation.
Injuries and Disruption to Daily Life
In the Lamba Hari Singh police station area of Tonk district, two women—a married woman and a young girl—sustained injuries during the hailstorm. They were promptly transported to Kekri Hospital by family members for medical treatment. The abrupt weather change disrupted normal life across several regions, with gusty winds, rain, and hailstorms impeding movement and daily activities.
In numerous locations, powerful winds uprooted trees and damaged electricity poles, leading to temporary power outages. Residents in Jaipur awoke to cloudy skies, with light and scattered showers reported in parts of the city during the afternoon. The city recorded a minimum temperature of 22.6 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 34 degrees Celsius.
Weather Patterns and Temperature Drop
The meteorological office attributed this sudden shift in weather to an active western disturbance, which is expected to influence conditions across Rajasthan until the first week of April, though its impact may gradually weaken. Rainfall ranging between 10 mm and 30 mm was documented at several locations. Additional hailstorms were reported from Fatehpur in Sikar, Rajgarh-Ratangarh in Churu, Luni in Jodhpur, and Nasirabad in Ajmer.
The weather shift resulted in a temperature drop of 2 to 6 degrees Celsius in daytime readings across cities including Jaipur, Sikar, Churu, Jhunjhunu, Alwar, and Kota. The MeT office has also indicated the possibility of mild dust storms occurring on Wednesday, advising residents to stay informed about further developments.
