Severe Heat Wave Over West Rajasthan, Relief Likely On Weekend

Heat wave conditions abated in most parts of the country. Perpetual hot pockets in the eastern states of Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha have eased out due to sporadic pre-monsoon activity. The temperatures have dropped under 40°C at most places and are unlikely to rise for the remainder of the week. However, on the western front, border posts of Rajasthan are unrelenting and are being swept by searing heat across the region. Jaisalmer recorded a maximum temperature of 46°C, the highest in the country.  This temperature was nearly 7°C above the normal and  amounted to severe heat wave conditions.

Jaisalmer, Barmer, Phalodi, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Chittorgarh, Churu, Ganganagar are some of the places reeling under scorching heat.  All these stations have recorded mercury levels hovering around 44°-45°C, about 5°-7°C above the normal. This region has been swept with moderate to severe heat wave conditions without much relief in the month of April 2025. A similar range of temperature is likely for the next 2-3 days. Marginal relief can be expected with a temperature drop of about 3°-4°C over the weekend.

The main reason for the sizzling heat over the region is because of extremely high temperatures across the border areas of Pakistan. Hot air is getting transported with favorable winds from the central parts and Sind region of Pakistan. The pressure gradient has become strong due to the presence of western disturbance over northern mountains. Strong winds and high temperatures have triggered ‘severe loo’ conditions all along the border areas of Rajasthan. Extreme temperatures in excess of 46°C have been recorded at many locations in Pakistan. These stations include Nawabshah at 47°C, Sibi at 47°C, Pad Idan at 46.4°C, and Rohri & Khanpur at 46°C each. Persistent heat over these parts is instrumental in transporting a blistering pool of hot air over West and North Rajasthan.

The western disturbance over the hills is supported by strong induced cyclonic circulation over North Rajasthan. The weather activity is likely to peak on 18th and 19th April over the mountains. As the disturbance starts vacating the hilly states, predominantly from 20th April onwards, the wind pattern will change over Rajasthan. Though the mercury will still hover around the low 40s, marginal relief is expected from the soaring highs of the mid-40s and beyond.