Barmer recorded a scorching 47.3 degrees Celsius on Monday, 12 May, making it the hottest place in the country and the highest temperature logged in Rajasthan this season. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued simultaneous heatwave and thunderstorm alerts across multiple districts, warning that the dramatic weather swings are likely to continue over the next three to five days.

Extreme Heat Grips Western Rajasthan

Districts across western Rajasthan bore the brunt of the heat. Jaisalmer, Phalodi, Bikaner, Jodhpur, and Chittorgarh all recorded temperatures above 44 degrees Celsius, while Barmer's 47.3°C reading stood as the season's peak. Meteorological experts attribute the sharp temperature rise in Jaisalmer and Barmer to hot winds entering the Thar Desert region from Pakistan without obstruction — a recurring but intensifying seasonal pattern.

The IMD has warned of heatwave conditions and hot nights in parts of the Jodhpur and Bikaner divisions for the next 4-5 days. In south-eastern districts, maximum temperatures are likely to remain between 43 and 45 degrees Celsius, with the possibility of unusually warm nights at some locations.

Thunderstorms and Rain in Northern Districts

The weather picture is starkly different in northern Rajasthan. Sri Ganganagar and Hanumangarh witnessed thunderstorms, rain, and hailstorms on Monday, with cloud cover persisting since morning followed by strong winds and light rainfall. Ganganagar recorded a maximum temperature of 42.8 degrees Celsius, while Hanumangarh recorded 38 degrees Celsius — significantly cooler than the desert west.

Over the next 48 hours, thunderstorms, strong winds at speeds of 40-50 kmph, and drizzle are forecast for parts of the Bikaner division, the Shekhawati region, Jaipur, and northern areas of the Bharatpur division.

Jaipur, Udaipur, and Kota Feel the Pressure

The state capital Jaipur saw its maximum temperature climb to 39.9 degrees Celsius on Monday, with bright sunshine and humidity making conditions uncomfortable throughout the day. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms and rain in Jaipur for Tuesday.

Udaipur experienced intense heat, with warm winds persisting even during the night, recording a maximum of 42.3 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 25.9 degrees Celsius. In Kota, night temperatures rose by nearly 2 degrees to touch 42.7 degrees Celsius, with the minimum at 27.4 degrees Celsius. A yellow alert for heatwave conditions has also been issued for Kota on Tuesday.

What Residents and Authorities Should Expect

The IMD projects a slight rise in both minimum and maximum temperatures across most parts of Rajasthan over the coming days, compounding heat stress for residents and outdoor workers. This comes amid a broader pattern of early-season heat extremes that have intensified across northwestern India in recent years. Authorities are expected to scale up heat action plan measures as the week progresses.