Rajasthan thunderstorm, rain alert May 1–6: Farmers fear crop damage amid heatwave
Synopsis
Rajasthan is bracing for six straight days of thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds even as temperatures in Barmer and Jaisalmer touch 44°C. The double threat — scorching days and violent evening storms — is what farmers fear most: hail and high winds arriving just in time to damage standing crops.
Key Takeaways
IMD has issued a six-day alert for thunderstorms, rain, and gusty winds across Rajasthan from 1 May to 6 May 2025 .
A Yellow Alert is in effect for more than 20 districts , with winds forecast at 40–50 kmph and risks of lightning.
Barmer and Jaisalmer recorded the highest temperatures at 44°C ; Bikaner , Churu , and Phalodi logged 42–43°C .
Recent hailstorms in Jhalawar and neighbouring districts have raised concerns over crop damage among farmers.
Active Western Disturbances are expected to keep weather unsettled at least until 4 May , with another system due in 4–5 days .
Authorities in Jodhpur have set up water and cooling facilities for animals amid the severe heat.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a six-day alert for thunderstorms, heavy rain, and gusty winds across Rajasthan from 1 May to 6 May, following a wave of damaging hailstorms that struck parts of the state in recent days. The alert covers all major divisions — Jaipur, Bharatpur, Ajmer, Kota, Jodhpur, Bikaner, and Udaipur — raising alarm among farmers already contending with unseasonal crop stress.
Yellow Alert Issued for Multiple Districts
A Yellow Alert has been declared for Saturday across more than 20 districts, including Jaipur, Alwar, Bharatpur, Dausa, Deeg, Dholpur, Jhunjhunu, Karauli, Sawai Madhopur, Sikar, Tonk, Barmer, Bikaner, Churu, Hanumangarh, Jaisalmer, Nagaur, Phalodi, and Sri Ganganagar. The warning flags the risk of thunderstorms, lightning strikes, and winds gusting between 40 and 50 kmph.
Recent Hailstorms and Farmer Concerns
In the 48 hours preceding the alert, districts including Jhalawar experienced heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and hail on Wednesday and Thursday, triggering a noticeable drop in temperatures. While the rains brought temporary relief from the heat, the abrupt weather shift has deepened concerns among farmers over potential damage to standing crops. This comes amid a period when Rajasthan's agricultural communities are particularly vulnerable to unseasonal precipitation, which can flatten or spoil harvests ahead of procurement.
Temperature Readings Across Rajasthan
Despite the rainfall in several pockets, daytime temperatures remained elevated on Thursday. Bikaner, Churu, and Phalodi recorded temperatures between 42°C and 43°C, while Barmer and Jaisalmer touched 44°C. Jaipur, the state capital, logged a maximum of 40.8°C, with dust storms and light drizzle reported in the evening. Jodhpur hovered around 40.5°C, with authorities arranging water and cooling facilities for animals. Udaipur recorded a maximum near 40°C for the second consecutive day, with heatwave-like conditions persisting. Ajmer saw 39.8°C, Sikar recorded 39°C, and Kota logged a maximum of 40°C with a minimum of 21.4°C.
Western Disturbances Driving the Pattern
According to the Meteorological Centre, Jaipur, active Western Disturbances are responsible for keeping temperatures near normal in the first half of May. The forecast pattern involves hot days followed by cloudy evenings, with chances of thunderstorms and light rain on most days. The alert is expected to remain in force at least until 4 May. Another Western Disturbance is anticipated to become active over the next 4–5 days, potentially bringing further dust storms, thunderstorms, and scattered rainfall across the state.
Impact on Agriculture and Daily Life
While the incoming weather system may ease heatwave conditions, officials have cautioned that it could simultaneously disrupt agriculture and outdoor activities. Farmers across the affected divisions are being advised to monitor forecasts closely and take precautionary measures to protect crops. Similar weather conditions — hot days, gusty evenings, and sporadic rain — are expected to continue over the next 2–3 days before any sustained change in the pattern.
Point of View
With neither sustained rain to cool crops nor clear skies to protect harvests. Western Disturbances arriving this late in the season are increasingly common, a pattern climate scientists link to shifting jet stream behaviour. What is missing from the official response is a coordinated crop-advisory framework that moves as fast as the weather alerts do.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IMD alert issued for Rajasthan in May 2025?
The India Meteorological Department has issued a six-day alert for thunderstorms, gusty winds of 40–50 kmph, and rain across Rajasthan from 1 May to 6 May 2025. A Yellow Alert has been declared for more than 20 districts, warning of lightning and storm risks.
Which districts in Rajasthan are under the Yellow Alert?
The Yellow Alert covers Jaipur, Alwar, Bharatpur, Dausa, Deeg, Dholpur, Jhunjhunu, Karauli, Sawai Madhopur, Sikar, Tonk, Barmer, Bikaner, Churu, Hanumangarh, Jaisalmer, Nagaur, Phalodi, Sri Ganganagar, and Ajmer, among others.
Why are Rajasthan farmers concerned about the weather alert?
Recent hailstorms in districts like Jhalawar have already caused unseasonal crop stress. The forecast of continued thunderstorms and hail through 6 May raises fears of further damage to standing crops at a critical pre-harvest period.
What temperatures are being recorded in Rajasthan despite the rains?
Barmer and Jaisalmer touched 44°C, while Bikaner, Churu, and Phalodi recorded 42–43°C. Jaipur logged 40.8°C and Jodhpur around 40.5°C, indicating that heatwave conditions persist even alongside the stormy weather.
What is causing the unsettled weather in Rajasthan?
Active Western Disturbances are the primary driver, according to the Meteorological Centre in Jaipur. Another Western Disturbance is expected to become active in the next 4–5 days, potentially bringing further dust storms and scattered rainfall across the state.
