Jaipur, Feb 18 (NationPress) A new Western Disturbance has dramatically altered the weather across Rajasthan, resulting in sporadic rain, thunderstorms, and hail affecting various districts, including Jaipur, Alwar, Tonk, Kota, and Nagaur, since Wednesday morning. This unexpected weather change has caused a noticeable drop in temperatures, bringing back mild cold conditions in several areas of the state.

The Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for thunderstorms and hail in 13 districts, with an additional 13 districts under a yellow alert for adverse weather.

Intermittent rain was reported in Jaipur, Alwar, Tonk, Kota, and Udaipur, accompanied by strong winds and lightning in the capital. Hailstorms were observed around Jaipur, and Nagaur also experienced hail along with rainfall. In Jaipur, rain began around 4 a.m. on Wednesday, with gusty winds and lightning leading to a significant temperature drop. Kota and Tonk experienced 20 to 25 minutes of heavy downpour, resulting in cooler morning temperatures. Light rain was also noted in Sriganganagar, Pali, Hanumangarh, and Churu over the last 24 hours.

This weather system has led to a considerable decrease in temperatures. Sriganganagar recorded a maximum temperature of 24.4 degrees Celsius, falling by 5.7 degrees, while minimum temperatures in many districts dropped by 2 to 3 degrees.

Officials from the Meteorological Department indicated that the northeastern regions of Rajasthan would feel the most significant impact of this system on Wednesday. The sudden rain has raised worries among farmers, particularly concerning mustard crops in Tonk and nearby areas.

Farmers reported possible crop damage following heavy rainfall in villages such as Gulabpura in Duni tehsil.

Experts assert that this weather system will remain active for two days, with temperatures expected to dip slightly on February 19 before rising again from February 20 as skies clear up. The Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for Dausa, Karauli, Jaipur, Sikar, Tonk, Jhunjhunu, Ajmer, and Bharatpur.

According to the Meteorological Centre in Jaipur, an orange alert encompasses Dausa, Karauli, Jaipur, Sikar, Tonk, Jhunjhunu, Ajmer, and Bharatpur, with expectations of moderate rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and wind speeds of 30-40 km/h.

A yellow alert has been issued for Sriganganagar, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Nagaur, Pali, Rajsamand, Udaipur, Bhilwara, Bundi, Baran, Kota, Chittorgarh, and Jalore, anticipating light to moderate rainfall and winds of 20-30 km/h.

The IMD has urged people to remain indoors during thunderstorms, avoid seeking shelter under trees, and switch off electrical devices. Farmers have also been warned that sudden rain and hail could adversely affect standing crops.