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Rajasthan Reels Under Hailstorms, IMD Warns of More Severe Weather Ahead

An active Western Disturbance caused abrupt weather changes across Rajasthan, bringing heavy rainfall, hailstorms, and strong winds to several districts. The severe weather, particularly in Sri Ganganagar, has caused significant damage to standing wheat and other crops, with residents reporting an unprecedented intensity. The India Meteorological Department has warned of continued thunderstorms with strong winds and isolated hailstorms across multiple divisions for Saturday. A fresh, stronger Western Disturbance is expected from April 7, likely triggering another round of storms, prompting advisories for farmers to protect their produce.

Key Points: Hailstorms Lash Rajasthan, Damage Crops; IMD Issues Alert

  • Active Western Disturbance triggers severe weather
  • Hailstorms damage standing crops in northern districts
  • IMD warns of more storms and 50 km/h winds
  • Farmers advised to protect harvested produce
2 min read

Hailstorms lash Rajasthan, IMD warns of severe storms​

Severe hailstorms and heavy rain damage crops in Rajasthan. IMD warns of more storms and advises farmers on protective measures.

Hailstorms lash Rajasthan, IMD warns of severe storms​
"Such an intense hailstorm has not been witnessed in the area for years. - Residents of Sri Ganganagar"

Jaipur, April 3

Under the influence of an active Western Disturbance, weather conditions across Rajasthan changed abruptly on Friday, bringing heavy rainfall, hailstorms, and strong winds to several districts. ​

The sudden spell has damaged standing crops, particularly in the northern parts of the state. ​

Heavy rain accompanied by hailstorms was reported in Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Jaisalmer, and Bikaner, while districts including Sikar and Nagaur also received rainfall.​

In Churu's Sardarshahar, strong gusty winds triggered a massive dust storm, engulfing the sky. ​

Meanwhile, Jaipur remained overcast throughout the day. ​

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), thunderstorms accompanied by rain and strong winds gusting up to 40-50 km/h are likely in parts of the Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Ajmer, Bharatpur, Kota, and Udaipur divisions. ​

The department has also warned of isolated hailstorms in some areas.​

Sri Ganganagar experienced one of the most severe weather events of the day. Around 3:15 p.m., strong winds and rain began between Arjunsar and Rajiyasar, quickly escalating into a heavy hailstorm. ​

Within minutes, large hailstones blanketed fields, roads, and surrounding areas, turning the landscape white and drawing comparisons to snow-covered regions like Kashmir. ​

The sudden hailstorm has raised concerns among farmers, as wheat and other crops have suffered significant damage. Residents said such an intense hailstorm has not been witnessed in the area for years.​

Hailstorms accompanied by rain were also reported in Nachna (Jaisalmer) and parts of Bikaner, including Arjunsar. Hanumangarh witnessed heavy rain along with hail, while Ajmer received intense showers, bringing temporary relief from rising temperatures. ​

The Jaipur Meteorological Centre has warned of severe storms, heavy rainfall, and isolated hailstorms in parts of the Udaipur, Ajmer, Kota, Jaipur, Bharatpur divisions, and the Shekhawati region on April 4 (Saturday).​

While weather activity may ease slightly on April 5-6, a fresh and stronger Western Disturbance is expected to become active from April 7, likely triggering another round of storms and rainfall across the state. ​

The Meteorological Department has advised farmers to take precautionary measures, including safely storing harvested crops lying in open fields, covering grains kept in mandis and storage areas, and protecting produce from rain and hail damage. ​

The department warned that exposed crops and agricultural produce are at high risk due to ongoing and upcoming weather activity.​

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Ananya R
Saw videos from Sri Ganganagar... it looked like snow! While it's a rare sight, the damage to crops is no joke. IMD warnings are there, but do our farmers have the infrastructure to protect their fields at such short notice? A serious question.
R
Rohit P
Climate change is showing its true colors. Unseasonal hailstorms, dust storms in Churu... this erratic weather pattern is becoming the new normal. We need long-term strategies for water management and crop insurance, not just advisories.
P
Priyanka N
Stay safe, everyone in Rajasthan! The warning says more storms are coming till the 7th. Please avoid travel if possible, especially in rural areas where roads might get damaged. Hope the authorities are prepared with relief teams.
D
David E
Reading this from the US. The scale of this is immense. The comparison to Kashmir's snow is surreal. It underscores how interconnected global weather systems are. Wishing strength to the communities affected.
K
Karthik V
While the IMD's forecast is accurate, their communication needs to be more grassroots. Many farmers in my village near Nagaur rely on local news, not apps. SMS alerts in local dialects could be a game-changer.
M
Meera T
The temperature drop in Ajmer must be

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