Rajasthan is set to experience a severe cold wave as temperatures continue to plummet across the state. Several cities have already witnessed a noticeable drop in mercury, impacting daily life. The Meteorological Department has issued a fresh alert, warning of further temperature falls and an extended period of cold wave conditions in the coming days.
Current Temperature Trends and Forecast
The mercury in Rajasthan has been consistently falling, intensifying the cold, while recently, many cities recorded a drop of 1 to 3 degrees Celsius in their minimum temperatures. The forecast indicates a further dip in temperatures on Tuesday, exacerbating the cold, while specifically, the Shekhawati regions are expected to record minimum temperatures between 4 to 5 degrees Celsius from December 2 to 4. This prediction suggests a Notably colder period for these areas. In Eastern Rajasthan, Chittorgarh registered the highest maximum temperature today at 28. 6 degrees Celsius, while Barmer in Western Rajasthan was the warmest with a maximum of 30. 4 degrees Celsius. This indicates that while daytime temperatures still hold some warmth, nights are rapidly turning colder.
Extended Cold Wave Alert
The Meteorological Department has predicted an extended cold wave, lasting for an additional 4 to 5 days, across parts of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Maharashtra. Typically, during the December to February period, cold wave conditions prevail for about 4 to 6 days. However, this year, the duration is expected to be longer. This extended cold spell could pose challenges for farmers and those working outdoors. The department has advised the public to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from the intense cold.
Meteorological Reasons for the Chill
The sudden drop in temperature is primarily attributed to the continuous influx of cold winds into the plains following an active Western Disturbance in North India, while these icy winds originating from the Himalayan regions are Notably contributing to the increased chill in the plains. According to the Meteorological Department, the active Western Disturbance currently over North India is somewhat weakening the impact of these cold winds, while however, as this system weakens and moves away by December 2-3, the icy winds from the north will enter Rajasthan unimpeded, leading to a sudden and sharp increase in cold conditions.
Possibility of Light Rainfall
As per the Meteorological Department, several districts in Rajasthan are likely to experience cloudy skies on December 2. Along with this, there is a possibility of light rainfall in some areas. This rainfall will be a result of the lingering influence of the Western Disturbance. While the rain itself might not be heavy, it could further intensify the feeling of cold due to increased humidity, while after the rainfall, as the skies clear, the impact of the cold winds is expected to become even more pronounced, leading to a further drop in minimum temperatures.
Districts to Experience Extreme Cold
The impact of the cold wave will be most severely felt in the Shekhawati regions, particularly Sikar, Jhunjhunu, and Churu. These districts are expected to witness a significant drop in minimum temperatures. From December 2-3, the minimum temperature in nine districts across. The state is projected to hover around 5 degrees Celsius. These districts include Fatehpur, Sikar, Churu, Alwar, Jhunjhunu, Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Nagaur, and Lunkaransar, while residents of these areas are advised to be particularly vigilant and use warm clothing to protect themselves from the cold. Local administrations may also take necessary steps to mitigate the effects of the cold wave.
