Rajasthan is in the grip of an exceptionally strong western disturbance whose impact has now turned dangerous. Citing the sudden and severe turn in conditions, the Meteorological Centre of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Jaipur has sounded a high alert for a major storm over the next 3 hours. In the past 24 hours, parts of the Bikaner, Jaipur and Bharatpur divisions recorded moderate to heavy rain, and the department now warns that intense cloud activity could unleash thunderstorms, hail and lightning over more than half the state.
The 14 Districts Facing the Greatest Danger
The most serious red alert has been issued for 14 districts: Jhunjhunu, Sikar, Jaipur, Tonk, Sawai Madhopur, Karauli, Dholpur, Bharatpur, Deeg, Alwar, Kotputli-Behror, Khairthal-Tijara, Dausa and Churu. These areas have been warned of fierce thunder accompanied by squally winds exceeding 80 km/h. According to the IMD, light to heavy hail and moderate to heavy rain are very likely across these districts. Administrations in Bharatpur, Alwar, Dausa, Karauli, Dholpur and Sawai Madhopur have been specifically asked to stay on high alert.
Tonk: A 24-Hour Storm Cripples the Power Supply
Tonk district bore the brunt of the storm, with the high winds of the past 24 hours causing extensive damage. Across various parts of the district, roughly 80 to 90 electricity poles snapped and 20 to 25 single-phase transformers came down. In the Sop area, 22 poles of a 33 KV line collapsed, while several feeders in the Uniyara area went out of service, disrupting power in many places. Poles also fell in Todaraisingh, Ban ka Kheda and Mor RICO, among other localities, leaving residents in difficulty. The electricity department fears losses running into lakhs of rupees. Even so, its teams launched repairs on a war footing and have restored supply to most areas. SE K.L. Patel of the electricity department is monitoring the situation continuously.
Jaipur Wakes to a Sudden Downpour and Relief from the Heat
In the state capital, the IMD's warning proved accurate. Early this morning, dense dark clouds suddenly gathered over Jaipur and its surrounding areas, and heavy rain set in with strong winds. The shower brought major relief to residents who had been battling days of intense heat and humidity. Coming amid the red alert for a severe storm, the sudden burst of rain caused a sharp fall in temperatures across the city and left the weather pleasant.
Orange Alert for 7 Districts
Nature has shown no sign of relenting in the border belts of western and northern Rajasthan either. The Jaipur Meteorological Centre has issued an orange alert for 7 key districts: Hanumangarh, Bikaner, Sriganganagar, Didwana-Kuchaman, Ajmer, Bundi and Kota. The forecast warns that wind speeds here could reach 60 to 80 kilometres per hour. Fierce dust storms could badly disrupt daily life and traffic, with thunder, hail and light to moderate rain also expected.
Yellow Alert for 6 Districts
For the relatively less affected parts of western and southern Rajasthan, a yellow alert has been issued for Phalodi, Nagaur, Beawar, Bhilwara, Jhalawar and Baran. The weather here will be comparatively milder, yet gusty winds of 30 to 40 kilometres per hour could still blow. The IMD has flagged the possibility of light to moderate thunder at scattered places along with light rain or drizzle.
What Could Collapse and How to Stay Safe
The department warns that the extremely strong winds and rain could completely topple large and old trees, electricity poles, solar panels, advertising hoardings and weak temporary structures. Dust storms will severely reduce visibility, making road travel potentially fatal. Standing crops in the fields are at serious risk of damage from hail.
The IMD has urged citizens never to take shelter under trees or fragile structures during thunder and storms, and to move at once into a solid, permanent building. Drivers have been advised to pull over at a safe spot during a storm. Those indoors should immediately unplug all electrical appliances to guard against lightning strikes, stay away from windows and doors, and avoid touching metal objects or water taps.
What the Red Alert Means and How Long It Lasts
A red alert signals that the weather has reached an extremely dangerous level and that loss of life and property is possible. The IMD has issued this alert for the next 3 hours in view of the intense storm, requiring special caution across the 14 districts.
