The state of Rajasthan is reeling under severe heat wave conditions for the last week. Contiguous parts of Haryana are also feeling the heat. Scorching conditions are likely to continue for the next 2-3 days. Conciliatory relief in some pockets is likely at the month's end or start of June. However, this will be a temporary relief for a few days and the conditions will worsen again, similar to the past track.
The pre-monsoon season is invariably harsh for the western parts of Rajasthan, including all the border posts, like Barmer, Jaisalmer, Phalodi, Bikaner and Ganganagar. The searing heat spreads to the bordering regions of Haryana and Punjab, alike. Quite often, the peak temperatures of the season stop short of a notional figure of 50°C. Maximum temperatures in mid 40’s become rather common, breaching the 45°C mark over Barmer, Jaisalmer, Phalodi, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Churu, Ganganagar, Bathinda, Firozpur, Fazilka, Tarn Taran, Sirsa, Fatehabad, Hisar, Narnaul and some neighbouring stations. However, this season, the mercury has breached the 50°C mark at more than one place and more than one occasion. The club of 50°C expanded this season and severe heat has prevailed, possibly for one of the longest stretches on record. Blazing heat has continued for over two weeks, since 13thMay 2024, without a break.
The stations, with mercury in excess of 50°C included Churu, Phalodi, and Sirsa. Some other stations which shied away, joining the club of 50°C include, Ganganagar (49.4°C), Barmer (49.3°c), Mungeshpur & Najafgarh (49.9°C & 49.8°C) both Delhi region. The danger is not yet over and the mercury will stay with the high 40’s or even breach 50°C, on few more occasions.
Across the border, it is extremely hot over the Sind region of Pakistan. Stations like Jacobabad, Nawabshah, Rohri, Sibi, Khanpur and Hyderabad have breached 50°mark and the first two have crossed 52°C. The scorching heat across the border is also getting transported, due to favourable winds and causing mayhem, particularly over West Rajasthan and Haryana region. Some relief is likely at the fag end of May or the start of June. Thunderstorm/ Dust storm activity may release the excess heat from the lower to the higher levels.
