Rajasthan Weather Alert: Rajasthan Welcomes New Year with Rain, Dense Fog, and Cold Wave; IMD Issues Alert for 18 Districts

Rajasthan has commenced the New Year 2026 with a dramatic shift in weather patterns, marking a significant departure from the usual conditions. The state is currently experiencing a combination of light rainfall, dense fog, and. A noticeable drop in temperatures, leading to cold wave-like conditions in several regions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has taken note of these developments, issuing a comprehensive alert for dense fog across 18 districts, indicating a widespread impact on daily life and transportation. This early onset of intense winter weather has caught many residents by surprise, setting a chilly tone for the beginning of the year.

Rainfall Marks the Start of the Year

The IMD's forecast for dense fog has materialized, with a thick blanket of fog enveloping numerous districts across Rajasthan. Starting January 1st, the state has witnessed a significant reduction in visibility, particularly in areas like Sikar, Alwar, and Jaipur, where visibility plummeted to a mere 50 meters. This severe reduction in visibility poses considerable challenges for commuters and travelers, leading to slower traffic movement and potential disruptions. The alert for 18 districts underscores the extensive nature of this foggy spell, urging residents to exercise caution when venturing outdoors, especially during early morning hours.

The persistent fog is expected to continue affecting northern and western parts of the. State from January 1st to January 3rd, maintaining a consistent challenge for the region. Adding to the winter chill, several parts of Rajasthan have also experienced light rainfall, locally known as 'Mawath' in the Shekhawati region. This marks the first recorded 'Mawath' of the season in Shekhawati, bringing much-needed moisture but also contributing to the overall cold. Beyond Shekhawati, light rain was also anticipated on January 1st in areas such as Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Phalodi, and Ganganagar, along with Sikar. The IMD's predictions further indicated the possibility of light rain in the Bikaner, Jaipur, and Bharatpur divisions on the first day of the New Year. While these showers are generally beneficial for agriculture, they intensify the cold. Conditions, making the start of the year particularly harsh for the populace.

Fluctuating Temperatures Across the State

The daily data report from the Meteorological Department highlights the varying temperature profiles across Rajasthan, while on Wednesday, while some areas experienced light fog and scattered drizzles in Western Rajasthan, the temperature readings presented a stark contrast. Churu recorded the highest maximum temperature at 26. 2 degrees Celsius, indicating relatively milder daytime conditions in that specific area. However, the minimum temperatures painted a different picture, with Karauli registering the lowest at a chilly 4, while 6 degrees Celsius, making it the coldest spot in the state.

Other significant minimum temperatures included Ajmer at 10. 6 degrees, Bhilwara at 9, while 6 degrees, Alwar at 6. 5 degrees, Jaipur at 11. 4 degrees, Pilani at 8. 8 degrees, Sikar at 10. 0 degrees, Kota at 10. 1 degrees, Chittorgarh at 10, while 4 degrees, Barmer at 14. 6 degrees, Jaisalmer at 14, while 3 degrees, Jodhpur at 12. 2 degrees, Mount Abu at 8. 4 degrees, Bikaner at 13. 0 degrees, Churu at 9. 1 degrees, Sri Ganganagar at 11. 0 degrees, Dungarpur at 12. 4 degrees, Jalore at 10, while 9 degrees, Sirohi at 9. 4 degrees, Fatehpur in Sikar at 7, while 3 degrees, Dausa at 8. 4 degrees, and Jhunjhunu at 10. 0 degrees Celsius. The average humidity across the state was observed to be between 67 and 100 percent, contributing to the dense fog formation.

Cold Wave Conditions Predicted for Shekhawati

Looking ahead, the IMD has issued a warning for cold wave conditions, specifically targeting the Shekhawati region. This cold wave is expected to prevail between January 2nd and January 4th, while during this period, the minimum temperatures in the Shekhawati area are projected to drop by an additional two to four degrees Celsius, intensifying the cold and making conditions even more severe. Residents in these areas are advised to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from the biting cold. While the weather is expected to remain dry from January 2nd onwards, the lingering effects of the cold wave and dense fog will continue to impact the state, ensuring a prolonged period of winter weather. The combination of these factors necessitates continued vigilance and preparedness from the public and local authorities alike.