Rajasthan heatwave: Barmer hits 46.8°C as storms lash eastern districts
Synopsis
Rajasthan is caught between two weather extremes — a punishing heatwave in the west with Barmer hitting 46.8°C, and thunderstorm relief in the east. With temperatures set to rise another 2–3 degrees and warm nights forecast for the next five to six days, western Rajasthan faces its most intense heat stretch of the season.
Key Takeaways
Barmer recorded 46.8°C on 10 May , the hottest day of the season and the highest temperature in the state.
Heatwave conditions persisted in Barmer , Jaisalmer , Bikaner , and Phalodi , with roads and markets deserted.
A yellow alert has been issued for Churu , Alwar , Bharatpur , Jhunjhunu , and other eastern districts for rain and thunderstorms.
Temperatures are expected to rise by 2–3°C across most of Rajasthan over the coming days.
Heatwave conditions are forecast to intensify in western Rajasthan with warm nights likely for the next 5–6 days .
Even as a severe heatwave continues to scorch western Rajasthan, parts of the state witnessed thunderstorms and light rain on Monday, 11 May under the influence of an active Western Disturbance, the Meteorological Department said. The twin weather extremes — blistering heat in the west and storm relief in the east — reflect a sharp climatic divide across the state.
Heatwave Grips Western Rajasthan
Barmer recorded the hottest day of the season on Sunday, 10 May, with the mercury soaring to 46.8 degrees Celsius, making it the hottest city in the state. Heatwave conditions persisted throughout the day in Barmer, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Phalodi. Other high temperatures recorded included 46.3°C in Jaisalmer, 46°C in Phalodi, 44.6°C in Jodhpur, 44.4°C in Bikaner, and 43°C in Sri Ganganagar.
The heat had its strongest impact in Barmer, Balotra, Phalodi, Jaisalmer, and Jodhpur, where daytime conditions reportedly resembled a curfew-like situation with deserted roads and markets. Temperatures across other major cities included 43°C in Jalore, 43.4°C in Chittorgarh, 42.5°C in Lunkaransar, 41.8°C in Kota, 41.7°C in Nagaur, 41.6°C in Udaipur, 42°C in Pali, and 41°C in Ajmer.
Storms and Rain Bring Partial Relief to East
In Hanumangarh, clouds gathered around 6.30 am on Monday morning, followed by intermittent rainfall beginning at 6.45 am. The rain continued for nearly an hour, accompanied by strong winds, bringing temporary relief to residents from the intense heat that had prevailed for several days.
A yellow alert has been issued for Churu, Alwar, Deeg, Bharatpur, Jhunjhunu, and other districts, warning of rains and thunderstorms. Isolated dust storms and light rainfall are likely on 11 and 12 May in parts of the Bikaner division, the Shekhawati region, and northern areas of the Jaipur and Bharatpur divisions.
What the Met Department Said
Radheshyam Sharma, Director of the Meteorological Centre in Jaipur, said the Western Disturbance became active in Rajasthan from Monday. Under its influence, districts in the Jaipur and Bharatpur divisions are likely to witness strong winds, dust storms, scattered cloud cover, and light rainfall over the next few days. However, heatwave conditions are expected to continue in the Jodhpur division of western Rajasthan and the Udaipur division of southern Rajasthan.
Both minimum and maximum temperatures are likely to rise by 2–3 degrees Celsius across most parts of the state over the coming days. Heatwave conditions are also expected to intensify in parts of western Rajasthan, where the possibility of unusually high night-time temperatures — referred to as
Point of View
With Barmer at 46.8°C, is bearing the brunt of what is shaping up to be an early and severe summer peak. The forecast of rising night-time temperatures — 'warm nights' — is the more worrying signal: when nights no longer cool down, heat stress compounds and health risks multiply. The state administration's district-level alerts are a step in the right direction, but the deserted-streets imagery from Barmer and Jodhpur suggests that public advisories are not yet translating into adequate relief infrastructure on the ground.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city recorded the highest temperature in Rajasthan on 10 May 2025?
Barmer recorded the highest temperature in Rajasthan on 10 May, with the mercury reaching 46.8 degrees Celsius — the hottest day of the season so far. It was followed by Jaisalmer at 46.3°C and Phalodi at 46°C.
What is a yellow alert and which Rajasthan districts are under it?
A yellow alert is a weather advisory warning residents to stay aware of potentially hazardous conditions such as thunderstorms and strong winds. Districts including Churu, Alwar, Deeg, Bharatpur, and Jhunjhunu have been placed under a yellow alert for rain and thunderstorms.
What is a Western Disturbance and how is it affecting Rajasthan?
A Western Disturbance is an extratropical storm system originating in the Mediterranean region that brings unseasonal rain to northern India. The active Western Disturbance affecting Rajasthan on 11 May is triggering dust storms and light rainfall in the Jaipur, Bharatpur, Bikaner, and Shekhawati regions.
Will temperatures continue to rise in Rajasthan over the coming days?
Yes, according to the Meteorological Department, both minimum and maximum temperatures are likely to rise by 2–3 degrees Celsius across most parts of Rajasthan over the coming days. Heatwave conditions are expected to intensify in western Rajasthan, with warm nights forecast for the next five to six days.
How long is the heatwave warning in effect for Jodhpur?
The Meteorological Department has issued a heatwave warning for Jodhpur from 11 May to 13 May. The city recorded a maximum temperature of 44.6°C on Sunday, and daily life has been significantly affected by the extreme heat.
