NewKerala.com

Rajasthan Shivers at 0.3°C: Ice Sheets Blanket State as Cold Wave Intensifies

A severe cold wave has tightened its grip on Rajasthan, with Lunkaransar in Bikaner recording a near-freezing 0.3 degrees Celsius, the season's lowest so far. Visible sheets of ice and frost have blanketed agricultural fields in multiple districts, raising alarms about potential crop damage. The cold, intensified by winds that dropped daytime temperatures by up to 10 degrees, has disrupted daily life despite occasional sunshine. The Meteorological Department forecasts clearer conditions briefly before a new Western Disturbance could bring more storms, rain, and dense fog from January 26.

Key Points: Rajasthan Cold Wave: Temperatures Plunge to Near-Freezing 0.3°C

  • Lunkaransar hits season's lowest at 0.3°C
  • Ice sheets form on crops raising damage concerns
  • Daytime temps drop by 10°C in 24 hours
  • New Western Disturbance forecast for Jan 26-27
2 min read

Cold wave intensifies in Rajasthan, Lunkaransar dips to near-freezing 0.3 degrees C

Severe cold grips Rajasthan with Lunkaransar hitting 0.3°C. Ice blankets fields, disrupts life. Met Dept warns of more frost and fog ahead.

Cold wave intensifies in Rajasthan, Lunkaransar dips to near-freezing 0.3 degrees C
"a thick layer of ice was visible in several areas of the state, while frost blanketed agricultural fields"

Jaipur, Jan 24

A sharp change in weather has pushed Rajasthan into the grip of severe cold, with temperatures plunging dramatically across the state following storms, rain, and hail.

Lunkaransar in Bikaner recorded a minimum temperature of 0.3 degrees Celsius on Friday night, the lowest of the season so far. By Saturday morning, a thick layer of ice was visible in several areas of the state, while frost blanketed agricultural fields in districts such as Sikar, Barmer, Jaisalmer, and Shekhawati.

Cold winds sweeping across the state caused daytime temperatures to drop by as much as 10 degrees Celsius within a single day, intensifying the chill even during daytime.

Meanwhile, several districts, including Jaipur, Dausa, Alwar, Udaipur, and Nagaur, have been experiencing icy winds since Saturday morning. Despite occasional sunshine, the biting cold has disrupted normal life. In many places, foggy conditions persisted throughout the day, further weakening sunlight and worsening the cold wave.

According to the Meteorological Department, the weather is expected to remain mostly clear on January 24 and 25. However, a new Western Disturbance is likely to become active on January 26 and 27, bringing the possibility of storms, rainfall, and dense fog in several regions of the state.

On Friday, rainfall and thunderstorms were recorded in more than 10 districts, including Jaipur, Sikar, Ajmer, Bharatpur, Alwar, and Dausa.

Hailstorms were also reported at isolated locations. Following the rain, temperatures dropped sharply across the state. Fatehpur recorded 2.3 degrees C, Sirohi 4 degree Celcius, Ajmer 6.9 degrees, and Nagaur recorded 00.5 degrees Celcius.

The impact of the cold was especially visible in border districts. In Barmer, ice was seen on rooftops and vehicles in rural areas, while Thariyat village in Jaisalmer reported ice formation on vehicles, with the minimum temperature falling to 4.5 degrees Celsius.

In Sikar's Ranoli and Jhamawas villages, a visible sheet of ice covered grass and crops, raising concerns about potential damage to standing crops.

Meteorological officials have warned that continued cold winds, frost, and fog may further affect daily life and agriculture over the coming days as Rajasthan remains under the influence of winter systems.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
0.3°C in Rajasthan! That's almost Shimla levels. 🥶 We're in Jaipur and the daytime chill is unbearable despite the sun. Everyone, please check on your elderly neighbors and make sure the homeless have some blankets.
A
Aman W
The article mentions border districts like Barmer and Jaisalmer are affected too. Our jawans posted in those remote areas must be facing extreme conditions. Salute to their resilience. 🇮🇳
S
Sarah B
While the immediate concern is the cold, I hope the authorities are also planning for the next Western Disturbance. More rain and storms on the 26th could lead to flooding if drains are clogged. Proactive measures are needed.
V
Vikram M
This is climate change in action. Such sharp, unpredictable dips are becoming common. We need better long-term forecasting and crop insurance schemes that actually pay out on time. The current system is too slow.
K
Kavya N
Stay safe, everyone! Especially if you're traveling. The fog and ice on roads are a major hazard. Drive slow, use dippers, not high beam. And lots of ginger tea! ☕

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50