Sriganganagar hottest at 46.5 degrees, heatwave to intensify in Rajasthan
Jaipur, May 21
The Meteorological Department on Thursday warned of severe heatwave conditions in several districts of Rajasthan for the next four days.
Sriganganagar has emerged as the hottest city in the state in the last 24 hours, recording a maximum temperature of 46.5 degrees Celsius. Pilani in Jhunjhunu was the second hottest at 45.3 degrees Celsius.
Phalodi and Bikaner recorded 44.8 degrees Celsius, Churu 44.5 degrees Celsius, Kota and Alwar 44.2 degrees Celsius, and Chittorgarh 44 degrees Celsius.
Most cities in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Bharatpur, and Kota divisions remained in the grip of heatwave conditions.
The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for heatwave conditions in more than half of Rajasthan for the next three to four days, with little relief expected from the scorching temperatures.
Amid the rising heat, preventive measures are being taken in several cities. Water is being continuously sprinkled near Zorawar Singh Gate on Amer Road in Jaipur to reduce surface temperatures.
In Kota, water is being sprayed morning and evening at some cattle shelters to protect animals from the intense heat.
Further, Sirohi recorded a maximum temperature of 39 degrees Celsius, while Pratapgarh recorded 39.6 degrees Celsius, making them among the few districts to remain below the 40-degree mark on Tuesday.
Sirohi, in fact, also recorded a minimum temperature of 21.8 degrees Celsius, making it the lowest temperature in the state in the last 24 hours.
Jaipur recorded a slight fall in temperature on Wednesday, but residents continued to face intense heat throughout the day. The city recorded a maximum temperature of 42.5 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 31.1 degrees Celsius over the past 24 hours.
Alwar continued to reel under temperatures close to 45 degrees Celsius for the third consecutive day. The Municipal Corporation sprinkled water on roads and installed tents at several places to provide shade to pedestrians and commuters.
Ajmer experienced severe heat and humidity from morning. The district recorded a maximum temperature of 40.9 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 28.6 degrees Celsius.
Traffic remained sparse during afternoon hours as residents tried to avoid the scorching conditions.
The Shekhawati region, including Sikar district, has been facing continuous heatwave conditions for the past six days. On Wednesday, Sikar recorded a maximum temperature of 43 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 24.4 degrees Celsius.
Hot winds and rising temperatures have disrupted normal life in most parts of the state, with roads remaining deserted during the peak afternoon hours.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The fact that Sirohi is only 39°C shows how diverse Rajasthan's climate is. But even that is hot for us! I'm in Kota and the cattle shelters spraying water is a good step - animals suffer too in this heat. But why are we still cutting trees? Need more green cover!
Churu at 44.5? That's normal for them! But seriously, these heatwaves are getting worse every year. The yellow alert is good but we need long-term solutions - more trees, better urban planning, and shaded bus stops. Our poor traffic police have to stand in this heat all day.
I remember last year when Jaipur touched 45°C and we had power cuts for hours. Hope the municipal corporations are prepared this time. The Amer Road water sprinkling is good but they should do it everywhere. Also, why no mention of Jodhpur? We're also roasting here! 🔥
Honestly, this is why I moved from Rajasthan to Bangalore. But my family is still there in Alwar - 45 degrees for 3 days straight is brutal. They said roads are empty by 11 AM. Grateful for the tent shelters but wish the government did more for migrant workers who have to work in this sun. 🙏
Respect to all the farmers and laborers who still manage to work in this heat. The government should make it mandatory for employers to provide shade, water, and breaks during peak hours. Also, why is there no mention of heat stroke deaths? This is serious public health issue.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.