Barmer hits 48.3°C, Rajasthan's hottest this season; red alert in 3 districts
Synopsis
Barmer has hit 48.3°C — the state's highest reading this season and unusually early by historical standards — as Rajasthan's Meteorological Department issues red alerts for three districts. While western Rajasthan bakes, a western disturbance is simultaneously bringing rain and hailstorms to the east, creating a stark weather divide across the state.
Key Takeaways
Barmer recorded 48.3°C on 13 May 2025 , the highest temperature in Rajasthan this season.
Meteorological data shows Barmer had not crossed 48°C before 12 May in the last ten years .
The Meteorological Department issued a red alert for severe heatwave conditions in 3 districts on Wednesday, with orange alerts for around 10 districts .
Temperatures across Rajasthan are running up to 6 degrees above normal .
A western disturbance brought rain, hailstorms, and dust storms to eastern and northern districts including Alwar , Bharatpur , and Jhunjhunu .
Jaipur recorded a maximum of 43.2°C and a minimum of 29.1°C on Tuesday despite a rain alert.
Barmer recorded a scorching 48.3 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, 13 May, emerging as the hottest place in Rajasthan this season, as the Meteorological Department issued a red alert for severe heatwave conditions in three districts on Wednesday. The reading is the highest temperature logged in the state so far this year, and meteorological data indicates Barmer had not breached the 48-degree mark before 12 May in the past ten years.
Record Temperature in Context
To put the figure in historical perspective, Barmer last touched 49.5°C on 19 May 2016, and recorded 47.6°C on 24 May 2024 and 49.9°C on 27 May 2024. The fact that this season's peak has arrived nearly two weeks earlier than last year's comparable readings signals an unusually aggressive onset of summer heat in western Rajasthan.
Other western districts also sweltered on Tuesday. Phalodi recorded 46.4°C, Jaisalmer 45.8°C, Chittorgarh 45.6°C, Bikaner 45°C, Jhunjhunu 44.8°C, Kota 44.7°C, Jodhpur 44.6°C, and Churu and Pilani 44.5°C each. Fatehpur recorded 44°C. Officials noted that temperatures across Rajasthan are currently running up to six degrees above normal.
Red Alert and Weather Advisories
The Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for severe heatwave conditions in three districts on Wednesday, with orange alerts covering around ten districts over the next two days. Red alerts for more than six districts are expected to remain in force as severe heatwave conditions are likely to persist. Authorities have advised residents to avoid direct sunlight during peak afternoon hours and stay adequately hydrated.
Contrasting Conditions Across the State
Rajasthan is witnessing a sharp weather divide. While western districts bake under extreme heat, a western disturbance triggered rain and thunderstorms in eastern and northern parts of the state on Tuesday evening. Districts including Alwar and Bharatpur received rainfall, while Jhunjhunu reported hailstorms. Strong winds and dust storms brought temporary relief to Dholpur, and the disturbance's influence was also felt in Deeg, Sikar, Churu, Hanumangarh, and Sri Ganganagar. Rain and thunderstorm activity is expected to continue in five districts on Wednesday.
Situation in Jaipur
In the state capital Jaipur, despite a thunderstorm and rain alert issued for Tuesday, skies remained largely clear with hot winds persisting through the day. The maximum temperature in Jaipur rose to 43.2°C, while the minimum settled at 29.1°C. The same contrasting pattern — heat in the west, intermittent relief in the east — is expected to continue through Wednesday.
With red and orange alerts covering a significant portion of the state, health authorities are closely monitoring the situation as the heatwave shows no immediate signs of abating.
Point of View
Agricultural labour, and power grids before the typical June relief of the monsoon. Rajasthan's split weather map — red-alert heat in the west, hailstorms in the east — also exposes the limits of blanket state-level advisories; district-level response infrastructure needs to be calibrated for both extremes simultaneously. With temperatures running six degrees above normal and red alerts likely to extend beyond six districts, the public health burden over the next fortnight could be significant if cooling centres and hydration drives are not scaled urgently.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest temperature recorded in Rajasthan this season?
Barmer recorded 48.3 degrees Celsius on 13 May 2025, making it the hottest place in Rajasthan this season. Meteorological data indicates the district had not crossed 48°C before 12 May in the last ten years.
Which districts are under red alert for heatwave in Rajasthan?
The Meteorological Department issued a red alert for severe heatwave conditions in three districts on Wednesday, 14 May. Red alerts are expected to remain in force for more than six districts over the next two days, with orange alerts covering around ten more.
How does this heatwave compare to previous years in Barmer?
Barmer last recorded comparable temperatures on 19 May 2016 (49.5°C) and 27 May 2024 (49.9°C). The 2025 peak of 48.3°C arriving in mid-May is notably earlier than those historical readings, suggesting an earlier and more intense summer onset.
What weather relief is expected in Rajasthan amid the heatwave?
A western disturbance is bringing rain, thunderstorms, and hailstorms to eastern and northern Rajasthan, including districts like Alwar, Bharatpur, and Jhunjhunu. Rain and thunderstorm activity is expected in five districts on Wednesday, though western districts will continue to face extreme heat.
What precautions has the Meteorological Department advised during the heatwave?
The Meteorological Department has advised people to avoid direct sunlight during peak afternoon hours and remain adequately hydrated. Severe heatwave conditions are expected to persist over the next two days across multiple districts in Rajasthan.
