Due to the recent active Western Disturbance, widespread rainfall and hailstorms have significantly reduced temperatures across Rajasthan, providing relief from early summer heat and causing a notable chill during mornings and evenings. However, this weather shift has also brought distress to farmers, causing considerable damage to standing Rabi crops such as wheat, barley, gram, and mustard.

Temperature Drops, Cooler Conditions Prevail

On Saturday, daytime temperatures in nine cities of Rajasthan crossed 35 degrees Celsius, while nighttime temperatures remained above 20 degrees Celsius in six cities. Chittorgarh recorded the highest daytime temperature at 38.7°C, whereas Kota had the warmest night at 25°C. According to the Meteorological Department, maximum temperatures across the state are expected to drop further by 2-3 degrees Celsius over the next 48 hours.

Rainfall and Hailstorm Hit Several Districts

The recent weather pattern brought substantial rain and hail to several districts. On Friday evening, regions including Jaipur, Churu, and Sri Ganganagar experienced unexpected rainfall, with Churu witnessing heavy hailstorms lasting about 20 minutes. Areas in Sadulpur reported intense hailstorms, leaving fields blanketed in white ice pellets. Earlier on Thursday, similar weather affected multiple areas including Jaipur, Sikar, Bharatpur, Dausa, Alwar, Bikaner, and Churu, with Chomu, Kotputli-Behror, and Bansur witnessing notable hail events.

Rainfall measurements indicated significant precipitation across the state—Sikar recorded 8 mm, Alwar 2.4 mm, and Ramgarh in Nohar witnessed the highest rainfall of 35 mm on Friday. Such substantial rain, particularly in areas like Nohar, has opened opportunities for sowing cotton crops.

Concerns Rise Over Extensive Crop Damage

While the rainfall has brought relief from soaring temperatures, it has simultaneously triggered widespread concern among farmers. Current weather conditions have put Rabi crops—including mature wheat, mustard, barley, gram, and taramira—at significant risk. Many regions are currently in the harvesting phase, with some harvested crops lying exposed in markets and fields, vulnerable to moisture damage.

The recent hailstorms and heavy rainfall episodes have already impacted standing crops, potentially reducing their yield quality and market value. The agricultural community fears substantial economic losses, prompting farmers to demand prompt surveys by authorities to assess the damage.

Jaipur Experiences Cloudy Weather, Mild Rain, and Cooler Temperatures

In Jaipur, residents witnessed a cloudy Saturday accompanied by steady winds, resulting in a drop in temperature by approximately 1.5 degrees Celsius. The city saw fluctuating sunlight through scattered clouds throughout the day. On Friday afternoon, specific localities including Pratap Nagar, Sanganer, Jagatpura, Malviya Nagar, and Durgapura received mild showers, recording approximately 1.5 mm rainfall, while areas like Vaishali Nagar, the Walled City, MI Road, and Collectorate regions remained largely dry.

The maximum temperature recorded in Jaipur on Saturday was 33.3°C, while the minimum stood at 20°C.

Weather to Clear After March 16

The Meteorological Department predicts that from March 16 onward, the impact of this Western Disturbance will weaken, resulting in clearer skies and increased sunshine across the state. With stable weather returning, temperatures are expected to normalize, reducing the immediate threats to the agriculture sector.

Source - https://udaipurkiran.com