Monsoon activity has picked up sharply across Rajasthan, with thunderstorms, gusty winds and heavy rain expected to continue over several parts of the state in the coming hours. According to the latest bulletin from the Jaipur meteorological centre, weather has abruptly turned in the western districts of Bikaner, Phalodi, Jaisalmer, Barmer and Jodhpur, and even the desert belt is now seeing heavy downpours. The India Meteorological Department, or IMD, has issued a special warning for the state's western and southern districts and has appealed to people to stay alert during bad weather and take shelter in safe places.
The sudden shift is being driven by moist winds arriving from both the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, which together have set up a strong weather system whose effect is being felt directly over the desert region, producing heavy rainfall there as well. The Jaipur weather centre says different parts of the state could see winds gusting at 40 to 60 kilometres per hour over the next few hours, along with dust storms and the risk of lightning strikes. This has brought welcome relief from the humidity and heatwave-like conditions of recent days, with temperatures dropping by 3 to 5 degrees Celsius. IMD has issued an orange alert for districts in the Bikaner and Jodhpur divisions, urging extra caution against lightning, while some districts of eastern Rajasthan are under a yellow alert for light to moderate rain.
Orange alert for Bikaner and Phalodi as intense thunderstorms bring heavy rain
The weather department has issued an immediate warning for Bikaner, Phalodi and Nagaur districts. These areas face the possibility of moderate to intense thunderstorms accompanied by sudden strong winds, with speeds reaching 40 to 60 kilometres per hour, along with the risk of dust storms and lightning. Several towns in these districts have already received light to moderate rain, leaving low-lying areas waterlogged. The sharp drop in temperature has, however, brought clear relief from the heat for local residents.
Jaisalmer and Barmer battered by dust storms and sudden strong winds
The border districts of western Rajasthan, Jaisalmer, Barmer and Balotra, are also under a strong alert from the weather department. Satellite images from the Jaipur weather centre show dense cloud movement continuing over these areas. The sudden change in weather here carries the risk of lightning as well as light to moderate rain. Strong dust storms could also reduce visibility, and drivers have been advised to exercise particular caution.
Lightning warning for Jodhpur and Nagaur as IMD issues advisory
The monsoon is also fully active over Jodhpur and Nagaur districts. IMD says these districts are experiencing intense thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds. The department has strictly advised people to unplug electrical appliances and to never take shelter under trees during thunderstorms. It has also flagged the possibility of minor damage to weak structures, kutcha houses and hoardings.
Yellow alert for light to moderate rain in Udaipur, Banswara and Chittorgarh
The weather department has issued a yellow alert for the southern Rajasthan districts of Udaipur, Banswara, Dungarpur, Pratapgarh and Chittorgarh. These areas too could see winds of 30 to 40 kilometres per hour along with thunderstorms and light to moderate rain. Continuous rain in the hilly areas could raise water levels in nearby rivers and streams, and authorities have been asked to stay alert.
