For the past few days, Rajasthan has been observing warm weather conditions. Both maximums and minimums have been way above the average range. Even though January is the coldest month of the year for the desert state, temperatures continue to soar even further.
Usually, temperature variations are more over West Rajasthan, which is a desert area as compared to East Rajasthan, which has a greener topography. In the absence of the flow of cold and dry northwesterly winds, most parts of the state have been recording above average temperatures.
Usually, during this period, minimums in most parts of Rajasthan remain in single digits. However, this year temperatures are on the higher side. For instance, Bikaner has recorded its minimum at 12.4°C, against the average of 6°C. Similarly, Barmer recorded 13.4°C against 10°C, Jodhpur 12.5°C against 9.6°C.
Churu, that usually observes subzero temperatures at this time, has been recording temperatures in double digits. This season the city recorded subzero temperature only once on Dec 14, 2015 (-0.4°C). Maximum temperatures are also above the usual range. Bikaner has recorded a maximum of 30.1°C.
In the last ten years, the city crossed the 30-degree mark only once on January 25, 2009. Jodhpur at 30.2°C has recorded the highest maximum of the season in the last ten years. The cyclonic circulation, which is over West Rajasthan will continue to interrupt the flow of cold and dry northwesterly winds leading to increased minimums.
However, cloud cover may result in the marginal drop of maximums. Also, East and Central Rajasthan may observe light rain on January 7. January 8 onwards, there is likely to be a drop of 2 to 3 degrees in both the minimum and the maximum temperatures.
Image Credit: tour-of-rajasthan.com
