Jaipur, April 3 (NationPress) Driven by a potent Western Disturbance, weather patterns in Rajasthan underwent a swift transformation on Friday, unleashing heavy downpours, hailstorms, and fierce winds across numerous districts.

This abrupt weather change has inflicted damage on standing crops, especially in the northern regions of the state.

Significant rainfall, accompanied by hail, was observed in Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Jaisalmer, and Bikaner, with regions such as Sikar and Nagaur also experiencing rain.

In Churu's Sardarshahar, powerful winds sparked a large dust storm, shrouding the sky.

Throughout the day, Jaipur remained enveloped in clouds.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that thunderstorms, paired with gusty winds reaching 40–50 km/h, are anticipated in areas of Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Ajmer, Bharatpur, Kota, and Udaipur.

The department has also issued warnings for isolated hailstorms in certain regions.

Sri Ganganagar encountered one of the day's most intense weather episodes. At approximately 3:15 p.m., strong winds and rain surged between Arjunsar and Rajiyasar, rapidly escalating into a severe hailstorm.

In mere minutes, large hailstones covered fields, roads, and nearby areas, transforming the landscape into a scene reminiscent of snow-laden regions like Kashmir.

This unexpected hailstorm has raised alarms among farmers, as wheat and other crops have suffered considerable damage. Residents noted that such a powerful hailstorm has not been seen in years.

Hailstorms with rain were also reported in Nachna (Jaisalmer) and parts of Bikaner, including Arjunsar. Hanumangarh received heavy rain along with hail, while Ajmer enjoyed intense showers, providing temporary relief from rising temperatures.

The Jaipur Meteorological Centre has cautioned of severe storms, heavy rains, and isolated hail in parts of Udaipur, Ajmer, Kota, Jaipur, Bharatpur, and the Shekhawati region on April 4 (Saturday).

While weather activity may diminish slightly on April 5–6, a new and stronger Western Disturbance is set to activate from April 7, potentially sparking another wave of storms and rainfall across the state.

The Meteorological Department has advised farmers to implement precautionary measures, including securely storing harvested crops left in the open, covering grains in mandis and storage areas, and shielding produce from rain and hail damage.

The department cautioned that exposed crops and agricultural products are at elevated risk due to ongoing and forthcoming weather activity.