Rajasthan heatwave: Sri Ganganagar hits 48.2°C, hottest day of season
Synopsis
Sri Ganganagar hit 48.2°C on 27 May — the hottest reading in Rajasthan this season — as a relentless heatwave grips the state. With five cities above 46°C and border districts expected to stay near 48 degrees through 28 May, the IMD's only near-term promise of relief hinges on a Western Disturbance that may bring a 2-3°C temperature drop from 29 May.
Key Takeaways
Sri Ganganagar recorded 48.2°C on 27 May — the highest temperature in Rajasthan this season.
Bikaner , Churu , Jaisalmer , Pilani , and Phalodi all exceeded 46°C on the same day.
The IMD has forecast severe to intense heatwave conditions across most of Rajasthan for the next 2 to 3 days .
A new Western Disturbance is expected to trigger thunderstorms and rainfall from 28 May onward.
Daytime temperatures may drop by 2 to 3°C from 29 May , according to the Meteorological Department.
Alerts for strong winds of 60–70 km/h , dust storms, and hailstorms have been issued for multiple districts including Jaipur , Bikaner , and Sri Ganganagar .
Rajasthan is enduring its most intense heatwave of the season, with Sri Ganganagar recording a peak temperature of 48.2 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, 27 May — the highest in the state this year. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that severe to intense heatwave conditions will persist across most of the state for the next two to three days, with little immediate relief in sight for millions of residents.
Temperature Readings Across Rajasthan
After Sri Ganganagar, Pilani recorded the second-highest temperature at 47 degrees Celsius. Bikaner logged 46.6 degrees Celsius, while Jaisalmer and Churu both registered 46.4 degrees Celsius. Phalodi recorded 46.2 degrees Celsius, Kota touched 45.4 degrees Celsius, and Vanasthali registered 45.2 degrees Celsius. Barmer and Udaipur each reached a maximum of 45 degrees Celsius.
IMD Forecast: What the Next Few Days Look Like
According to the Meteorological Centre, Jaipur, maximum temperatures across several regions are likely to remain between 44°C and 46°C, with parts of the Bikaner division, Kota division, and the Shekhawati region expected to see temperatures ranging between 46°C and 47°C. Border districts in western Rajasthan may remain close to the 48-degree mark on 27 and 28 May.
Notably, a new Western Disturbance is set to activate from 28 May, which the IMD says will trigger thunderstorm and rainfall activity across parts of the state. Light rainfall is forecast for portions of the Jaipur, Bharatpur, and Ajmer divisions on 28 May, with isolated showers also possible in the Bikaner division.
Alerts Issued for Multiple Districts
The Meteorological Department has issued alerts for 28 and 29 May covering districts including Jaipur, Dausa, Sikar, Jhunjhunu, Alwar, Karauli, Sawai Madhopur, Bharatpur, and Kotputli-Behror. These areas may experience thunderstorms, squalls, and strong winds with speeds of 60 to 70 km/h.
Districts such as Bikaner, Churu, Hanumangarh, and Sri Ganganagar face the additional risk of intense dust storms, with isolated hailstorm activity also possible in some pockets.
Relief on the Horizon
The IMD has indicated that the onset of thunderstorm and rainfall activity should bring measurable relief from the scorching heat. Daytime temperatures are expected to decline by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius from 29 May onward, offering respite to residents across the state. Rainfall activity is forecast to continue in select districts of the Jaipur, Bharatpur, Ajmer, and Bikaner divisions through 31 May.
Point of View
Water scarcity, and outdoor labour exposure in border districts that lack the infrastructure of larger cities. The Western Disturbance forecast offers meteorological relief but not systemic relief — dust storms and 70 km/h winds carry their own risks for rural communities. The gap between weather alerts and last-mile preparedness in districts like Hanumangarh and Churu remains a persistent accountability blind spot.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest temperature recorded in Rajasthan this season?
Sri Ganganagar recorded 48.2 degrees Celsius on 27 May 2025, making it the hottest reading in the state this season. It was followed by Pilani at 47°C and Bikaner at 46.6°C.
How long will the heatwave last in Rajasthan?
The IMD's Meteorological Centre in Jaipur has forecast severe to intense heatwave conditions across most of Rajasthan for the next two to three days. Some relief is expected from 29 May onward as a Western Disturbance brings rainfall and a 2–3°C temperature drop.
Which districts in Rajasthan are under weather alerts?
Alerts have been issued for 28 and 29 May covering Jaipur, Dausa, Sikar, Jhunjhunu, Alwar, Karauli, Sawai Madhopur, Bharatpur, and Kotputli-Behror for thunderstorms and strong winds. Bikaner, Churu, Hanumangarh, and Sri Ganganagar face additional dust storm and hailstorm risk.
When will it rain in Rajasthan amid the heatwave?
Light rainfall is forecast for parts of the Jaipur, Bharatpur, and Ajmer divisions from 28 May, with activity continuing through 31 May in select districts. The trigger is a new Western Disturbance activating from 28 May, according to the IMD.
Which cities in Rajasthan recorded above 46°C on 27 May?
Sri Ganganagar (48.2°C), Pilani (47°C), Bikaner (46.6°C), Jaisalmer (46.4°C), Churu (46.4°C), and Phalodi (46.2°C) all exceeded 46°C on Wednesday, 27 May.
