Cold wave which swept the state of Rajasthan during 1st week of Jan2023 has abated. East Rajasthan was severely punished than West Rajasthan. Minimum temperatures plunged to sub zero at few places like Churu (-1.5deg), Sikar (-1.5deg) and Bikaner (0.0deg). State capital Jaipur also witnessed cold wave when the temperature dropped below 4deg on 05th and 06th Jan.
Courtesy western disturbances in quick succession, the cold wave conditions have abated for the last few days. Minimum temperatures over West Rajasthan have risen to double digits at Barmer, Jaisalmer, Phalodi, Jodhpur and Pali and slightly lower, but above average, over most parts of East Rajasthan. Weather conditions are expected to reverse soon over the entire state and another round of cold wave is likely after Makar Sankranti.
Entire state has not experienced winter rains this season, so far commencing 01st Dec 2022. Western disturbance have not been active and strong enough to travel deep to secluded parts of the state. Arid terrain and persistent dry cold has aggravated the 'winter freeze' over most parts.
Currently, an active western disturbance is moving across the northern mountains. However, its induced cyclonic circulation over North Rajasthan and Punjab is not impressive enough to carry spread of rain belt across the state. Winter rains will mostly remained confined to Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and West Uttar Pradesh on 12th and 13th Jan. Under the influence of the dual system, wind pattern has changed over the state. Flow of cold winds, down the slopes of mountains has got arrested.
Double digit minimum temperatures have been recorded over most parts, relieving cold snap, more so over the western parts. Western disturbance will clear the region on 14th Jan, leading to reversal of wind pattern again. Temperature will dip once again, after Makar Sankranti. However, the cold conditions may not last long. Another western disturbance is approaching the area on 18th Jan, easing out the weather conditions for the subsequent 4-5 days.
