Jaipur: Heatwave conditions have intensified across Rajasthan, particularly in the western districts, with Barmer emerging as the hottest place in the country on Monday. The city recorded a scorching maximum temperature of 47.3 degrees Celsius, while the state capital Jaipur registered a maximum temperature of 39.9 degrees Celsius.
Barmer Records Highest Temperature in India
The national heat bulletin of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed Barmer as the hottest place in India, with severe heatwave conditions prevailing in isolated pockets across western Rajasthan. The Meteorological Centre in Jaipur attributed the extreme weather to an active upper air cyclonic circulation and strong westerly winds. Officials warned that the heatwave conditions are likely to worsen over the next few days, especially in western Rajasthan.
Impact on Daily Life
Normal life was severely affected in Barmer during the afternoon hours on Monday, as roads and marketplaces wore a deserted look due to the intense heat. Several villages and remote hamlets in the district reported acute drinking water shortages and unscheduled power cuts, compounding the difficulties faced by residents amid the sweltering heat.
Temperatures Across Rajasthan
Several other districts also reeled under severe heatwave conditions on Monday. After Barmer, Phalodi recorded the state's second-highest maximum temperature of 46.8 degrees Celsius, followed by Jaisalmer at 46.5 degrees Celsius, Bikaner at 45.3 degrees Celsius, Jodhpur at 44.9 degrees Celsius, and Chittorgarh at 44.2 degrees Celsius.
Among other major cities affected by the severe heat were Sri Ganganagar and Jalore at 42.8 degrees Celsius each, Kota at 42.7 degrees Celsius, Udaipur (Dabok) at 42.3 degrees Celsius, Ajmer at 42.1 degrees Celsius, Bhilwara at 42 degrees Celsius, and Sikar at 41.4 degrees Celsius.
Unusually High Night Temperatures
Night temperatures also remained unusually high in several districts. Barmer recorded a minimum temperature of 32.3 degrees Celsius, while Phalodi touched a low of 33.8 degrees Celsius at night. Jodhpur recorded persistent warm night conditions as well, with a minimum temperature of 28.9 degrees Celsius.
Brief Respite in Some Areas
Amidst the heat, Sri Ganganagar district witnessed mild showers and some hailstorm activity during the morning hours on Monday, bringing some much-needed respite from the heat. However, the overall forecast indicates that the heatwave will continue to grip the region in the coming days.
