Jaipur, Oct 30 (NationPress) Continuous drizzle and fog have enveloped extensive areas of Rajasthan as of Thursday, introducing a pronounced winter chill in various districts such as Jaipur, Udaipur, Alwar, Sikar, and Karauli.

The rainfall occurring since morning has led to a notable decrease in temperatures, with thick fog covering rural and semi-urban locales, impairing visibility on major highways and disrupting vehicle movement.

The Meteorological Department issued a yellow alert for 17 districts, cautioning about light to moderate rain, along with gusty winds in certain regions of the state.

As per officials, the effects of a cyclonic system over the Arabian Sea became evident from Wednesday, resulting in significant cloud cover and sporadic showers in southern and southeastern Rajasthan. During the morning hours, Jaipur was shrouded in fog and light rain, while a piercing chill swept through the city by the afternoon, signaling an early arrival of winter.

For the last four days, districts such as Udaipur, Sikar, Pilani, Kota, Jodhpur, Chittorgarh, Bhilwara, Ajmer, Sirohi, Nagaur, Baran, Dungarpur, Jalore, Pali, Pratapgarh, and Alwar have experienced consistent rainfall and a drastic drop in temperatures. Sirohi reported the state’s lowest maximum temperature at 19.4 degrees Celsius, marking the coldest point this season and indicating an abrupt and severe cold wave.

In numerous areas, daytime temperatures have fallen by nearly 10°C below the seasonal average. Residents in parts of southern and eastern Rajasthan have been seen wearing winter clothing unusually early this year, with shops and tea stalls enjoying an increase in business due to the chill.

The Met Department predicts that rainfall will continue in the divisions of Kota, Jodhpur, Jaipur, and Bharatpur until November 4. “Cloudy skies, light to moderate rainfall, and a further decline in night temperatures are expected to persist for the next four to five days, especially in the Udaipur and Kota regions,” stated a senior official from the Meteorological Center in Jaipur.

Some regions may also face thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds ranging from 20 to 30 km/h.

The Met Department has advised residents to remain indoors during thunderstorms, avoid seeking shelter under trees, and disconnect electrical appliances as a safeguard against lightning strikes. Authorities have also recommended that farmers secure their harvested crops and livestock, as ongoing rainfall may impact storage and transportation.

Officials noted that the current weather pattern signifies the earliest widespread cold wave in recent years, with the combination of rain, wind chill, and fog markedly accelerating the transition to winter across most of Rajasthan.