Burning Rajasthan: The state of Rajasthan is currently being subjected to a recurrent heatwave, which has gripped the entire state as Mercury seems to soar up the mountains. With daytime temperatures now running above 45°C in the city of Jaisalmer and Barmer for two consecutive days, the nights, too, are forebodingly hot. The Meteorological Department has raised the alarm level, issuing a red alert for Barmer district today Tuesday, April 8, 2025. Six districts are on an orange alert, whereas 12 more are facing yellow alerts-a situation looming large. The residents are hoping for some relief that, as per the weather experts, might arrive on April 11 with clouds and scattered light rain.
It is evident that heat has become extremely harsh in Western Rajasthan. Barmer has recorded blistering 45.6 degrees Celsius in the past 24 hours, while Jaisalmer isn’t far behind with 45.4°C, both nearly 8°C above the seasonal average. Even other cities face similar heat waves: Chittorgarh 44.4°C, Kota 41.1°C, while even Jaipur, the capital of the state, cools down at 41.8°C. From Sriganganagar at 43.3°C to Dungarpur at 42.3°C, the area is tight in the grip of the heat wave, forcing people to look for shelter or shady cool water.
Nights Turn Into a Sweaty Ordeal
Rajasthan has been tested by days, but their nights are now oppressive and warm, just like during the day. Phalodi had low temperatures of 28.8°C, while Jodhpur and Udaipur are not coming down below 26°C during nights. Likewise, Barmer, Bikaner, and Ajmer are also having minimums above 25°C, causing the Jaipur Meteorological Centre to issue a “warm night” alert. Phalodi, for example, recorded 28.6°C on Monday night; this is more typical for daytime in cooler months.
It takes a heavy toll on sleep and daily routines, unrelenting heat, round-the-clock. Said a resident of Jodhpur, wiping off sweat trickling down his forehead, “We are used to hot days, but when the nights do not cool off, it is tiring.” He is anything but wrong. The forecast warns such weather will continue till April 9, keeping the State unsettled.
Relief on the Horizon: Rain Expected by April 11
There is hope among the heat at the moment. Weather experts state that the current heat spell is expected to last at least until April 9, but from April 11, a western disturbance is predicted to change things around with clouds, gusty winds, and a light rain or drizzle event in the northwestern part of Rajasthan. The shift might cool things down by about 2-3 degrees Celsius, providing much-needed respite.
Beginning on April 10, the heatwave is anticipated to weaken, since only Sriganganagar, Jhunjhunu, Alwar, and Bharatpur are under a yellow alert. By April 11, when relief from the heat might be expected, the weather systems may turn the tables. In the meantime, people should try to keep drinking water and refrain from going out during the peak hours of sunshine. Now, Rajasthan waits and watches the skies, all the while counting the days of relief.
