Jaipur, April 24: A fierce heatwave has tightened its grip over Rajasthan, with temperatures breaching the 40°C mark in over ten districts and Sri Ganganagar recording a searing 44.5°C on Thursday, April 24 — making it the hottest city in India. The India Meteorological Department (IMD)'s Jaipur Meteorological Centre has issued a formal heatwave alert for five districts, urging residents to take immediate precautions and avoid outdoor exposure during peak afternoon hours.

IMD Heatwave Alert: Which Districts Are at Risk?

The IMD Jaipur Meteorological Centre issued its heatwave warning on Friday, April 25, covering five high-risk districts across the state. Meteorologists cite dry weather conditions, clear skies, and weak wind patterns as the primary drivers behind the sharp temperature spike.

Districts including Nagaur, Alwar, Bharatpur, and Tonk are experiencing accelerated warming due to the absence of cloud cover. Light winds have offered virtually no relief, allowing heat to build steadily through the day and into the night.

Crucially, minimum temperatures across cities are hovering between 19°C and 26°C, meaning nighttime offers little recovery — a factor that compounds heat stress, particularly for the elderly, children, and outdoor workers.

Temperature Scoreboard: Rajasthan's Hottest Cities on April 24

Sri Ganganagar topped both the state and national charts with a maximum of 44.5°C and a minimum of 26.5°C. Close behind were Kota at 43°C, Churu at 42.6°C, Chittorgarh at 42.5°C, and Pilani at 42.2°C.

Other major cities also recorded alarming figures: Jaisalmer and Bikaner each touched 41.5°C, while Barmer reached 40.4°C and Dausa recorded 40.3°C. Even Jaipur, typically more moderate, edged close to the threshold at 39.6°C.

In southern Rajasthan, Udaipur recorded 39°C, while Sirohi and Pali remained comparatively lower at 36.5°C and 36.8°C respectively — though still well above seasonal averages.

Schools Reschedule Timings to Protect Students From Peak Heat

The extreme heat has triggered swift administrative responses across the state. Authorities in Jaipur, Kota, Chittorgarh, Jaisalmer, and Dausa have revised school schedules to shield students from dangerous afternoon temperatures.

In Kota, Class 12 sessions now run from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM starting April 24. In Dausa, classes up to Grade 8 will operate from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM until May 2. Similar morning-only schedules have been enforced for students up to Class 8 in Jaisalmer and Chittorgarh.

In Jaipur, revised school timings from 7:30 AM to 12 noon will take effect from April 27. These measures reflect growing concern among district administrations about the health risks posed by prolonged heat exposure for young students.

Western Disturbance May Bring Partial Relief After April 25

A fresh western disturbance is expected to become active from Saturday, April 26, potentially offering some respite from the relentless heat. Weather experts predict this system could trigger dusty winds, light rainfall, and thunderstorms across parts of the Bikaner, Jaipur, Bharatpur, Jodhpur, and Ajmer divisions.

However, meteorologists caution that this relief is likely to be short-lived and localised. Until the disturbance takes full effect, the state is expected to remain under severe heat stress conditions.

Broader Context: Rajasthan's Recurring Heat Crisis

This heatwave is not an isolated event. Rajasthan has historically been among India's most heat-vulnerable states, with Sri Ganganagar frequently topping national temperature charts during April and May. Climate data over the past decade shows a consistent trend of earlier onset and longer duration of heatwaves in the region — a pattern aligned with broader climate change projections for arid northwestern India.

The IMD has in recent years expanded its heat action alert systems, but ground-level preparedness — particularly for daily wage workers, street vendors, and migrant labourers who cannot afford to stay indoors — remains a critical policy gap. With Rajasthan's rural population heavily dependent on outdoor agriculture and livestock activities, the human cost of extreme heat extends well beyond urban inconvenience.

Authorities have urged all residents to stay hydrated, avoid direct sun exposure between 11 AM and 4 PM, wear light-coloured clothing, and seek immediate medical attention for symptoms of heat exhaustion or heatstroke. As Rajasthan braces for what could be one of its most punishing pre-monsoon seasons, all eyes are on whether the approaching western disturbance will deliver meaningful relief — or merely a brief pause before temperatures surge again.