Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, April 28 — Jaisalmer has shattered its own April temperature record, hitting a scorching 46.4 degrees Celsius on Monday, surpassing the previous high of 46.3°C set just ten days earlier on April 18, 2025. The milestone marks one of the most intense heat episodes in the state's recorded history, with multiple cities across Rajasthan simultaneously breaching the 40-degree threshold.

Record-Breaking Temperatures Across Rajasthan

Over the past 24 hours, maximum temperatures in all major cities across the state exceeded 40 degrees Celsius. Severe heatwave conditions were recorded in Jaisalmer, Barmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Bharatpur, Dholpur, Karauli, and parts of Jaipur. Ajmer logged a high of 42.5°C, with minimal relief despite light winds.

In Kota, the mercury climbed to 45.7 degrees Celsius on Sunday, breaking an eight-year temperature record for the city. Authorities at Abheda Biological Park in Kota responded by setting up dedicated water ponds to protect animals from the extreme heat — a telling indicator of how broadly the crisis is being felt.

Jaipur remained gripped by intense heat despite brief evening showers, with the maximum temperature reaching 43.5°C — a full 3.2 degrees above normal. The minimum temperature stood at 31.7°C, a significant 6.5 degrees above the seasonal average, denying residents any overnight respite. Udaipur also recorded temperatures around 42°C over consecutive days, while Sikar hit 42°C before a brief evening shift brought strong winds and light rain.

Western Disturbance Brings Partial, Short-Lived Relief

An active Western Disturbance triggered a partial weather shift across several northern districts by Monday evening. Ganganagar, Bikaner, and Hanumangarh witnessed thunderstorms accompanied by rain, while hailstorms were reported in parts of Bikaner and Ganganagar. Dusty winds and light showers later extended to Churu, Jhunjhunu, Sikar, Nagaur, and Alwar.

Notably, these weather events offered only temporary respite. Meteorologists caution that the underlying heat pattern remains dominant across the state, and the relief brought by Western Disturbances at this time of year tends to be transient and geographically uneven.

Yellow Alert Issued; Heatwave Warning Continues

The Meteorological Centre in Jaipur has issued a 'yellow alert' for thunderstorms and rain across 11 districts. However, heatwave conditions are expected to persist in at least two districts, reflecting the mixed and volatile weather pattern currently gripping the state. This comes amid a broader national trend of early-onset, record-intensity summer heat, which climate scientists have increasingly linked to long-term warming patterns over the Indian subcontinent.

Government Response and Precautionary Measures

Municipal authorities across affected cities have initiated water sprinkling on city roads to reduce surface temperatures and dust. District Collectors have been formally authorised to declare school holidays based on local heat conditions. The Directorate of Secondary Education had earlier permitted changes in school timings to protect students from peak afternoon heat.

Residents across the state have been advised to avoid outdoor exposure during peak hours, stay hydrated, and follow all health advisories issued by local authorities. With heatwave conditions forecast to persist, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely — and the coming days will test both administrative preparedness and public resilience across Rajasthan.