Did Rajasthan welcome the New Year with rain and hailstorms?
Synopsis
As Rajasthan ushers in the New Year, it is greeted with an unexpected weather twist—rain and hailstorms. This harsh winter onset has left many farmers anxious but promises benefits for the Rabi crops. Discover how the weather is shaping celebrations and the agricultural landscape across the state.
Key Takeaways
Rajasthan experienced severe winter conditions for the New Year.
Hailstorms raised concerns among local farmers .
The weather is expected to impact visibility due to dense fog.
Rainfall may benefit Rabi crops .
Temperatures are predicted to drop significantly in the coming days.
Jaipur, Jan 1 (NationPress) Rajasthan witnessed extensive rainfall, hailstorms, thick fog, and a severe cold wave on Thursday, heralding a chilly beginning to the New Year throughout the state.
Intermittent showers were reported in numerous districts, such as Jaipur, Chittorgarh, Ajmer, Kota, and Sikar. Chittorgarh experienced heavy rainfall for roughly thirty minutes around 5 a.m., while Ramgarh (Sikar) also faced significant downpours.
Late on Wednesday night, hailstorms in Bikaner caused a dramatic temperature drop, raising alarms among farmers.
Rain accompanied by strong winds was noted in Jodhpur, Phalodi, Barmer, and Bikaner, leading to a decrease of 2–3 degrees Celsius in temperatures.
Alwar recorded a minimum temperature of 8 degrees Celsius in the state, while Bikaner and Jaisalmer saw temperatures drop to 9.6 degrees Celsius.
The Meteorological Department has issued rain alerts for districts in the Jaipur and Bharatpur divisions, along with cold wave and dense fog warnings for many parts of Rajasthan. The dense fog significantly hampered visibility in Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Sriganganagar.
Jaisalmer remained enveloped in fog for the second day in a row, while Jaipur was shrouded in mist, particularly in areas like Amer and Nahargarh.
Regardless of the weather, numerous tourists were spotted visiting attractions around Jaipur. This initial spell of rain this season is anticipated to benefit Rabi crops, though hailstorms have raised concerns among farmers in certain regions.
Overall, the New Year commenced with harsh winter conditions across Rajasthan, largely influenced by a Western Disturbance.
The IMD has forecasted dense fog in northern and western Rajasthan from January 1 to January 3, which may impact visibility during morning hours.
A cold wave is also predicted in the Shekhawati region from January 2 to January 4.
During this timeframe, minimum temperatures are expected to plummet between 2 and 4 degrees Celsius, as stated by the Meteorological Department.
Jaisalmer received its inaugural winter rain of the season on Wednesday.
Point of View
It's crucial to understand the broader implications of Rajasthan's weather patterns. This New Year's rain may offer temporary relief to drought-stricken areas, but the hailstorms pose significant risks for farmers. It's a complex interplay of nature that we must navigate with care.
NationPress
8 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What weather events occurred in Rajasthan on New Year's Day?
Rajasthan experienced widespread rain, hailstorms, dense fog, and a cold wave on January 1, marking a significant change in weather.
How did the hailstorms affect farmers?
The hailstorms raised concerns among farmers due to the potential damage to crops and a sharp drop in temperature.
What are the expected temperatures in Rajasthan following the cold wave?
The temperatures are expected to drop between 2 and 4 degrees Celsius from January 2 to January 4, particularly in the Shekhawati region.
