The scorching sun and heat wave continue to plague Rajasthan. On Wednesday, Sriganganagar turned out to be the third hottest place in the nation at 48.2°C. Many other districts have reported temperatures of over 45°C, while the nights are continuing to remain hot too. However, the Meteorological Department has forecast thunderstorms accompanied by light rains for 11 districts, which include Jaipur, on Thursday.

As per the department, the temperature recorded in Sriganganagar is the highest ever this season. Apart from Sriganganagar, Churu, Bikaner, Pilani, and Bhilwara were among the places where the maximum temperature was recorded above 45°C. Meanwhile, Kota, Phalodi, and Hanumangarh recorded night temperatures between 32 and 34 degrees Celsius. Kota was the hottest city in the state.

In the capital, Jaipur, temperatures remained above 43 degrees Celsius for the second consecutive day. The maximum temperature was 43.7 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature was 32 degrees Celsius. Hot winds and humidity troubled people throughout the day. Tents, coolers, and cold water had to be arranged for passengers at many public places, including the railway station.

In Sikar, temperatures reached 45 degrees Celsius amid the scorching sun and heatwave. The humidity increased further after a light rain the previous day. The streets were deserted during the afternoon, and people were seen leaving their homes with their heads and faces covered.

The situation was even more difficult in Bikaner. Temperature meters of cars on the national highway here showed temperatures as high as 49 degrees Celsius. The scorching sun and hot winds made it difficult to travel on the roads during the afternoon. Water was sprinkled on the roads in Sri Ganganagar to provide relief from the heat.

The Meteorological Center, Jaipur, has issued orange and yellow heat alerts for northeastern Rajasthan. It also predicts afternoon thunderstorms and light rain in Churu, Jhunjhunu, Sikar, Jaipur, Dausa, Alwar, Bharatpur, Dholpur, Karauli, Sawai Madhopur, and Tonk districts.

The Meteorological Department says that a new western disturbance is expected to bring changes in the weather between May 29th and 31st. During this period, strong dust storms, winds of 60 to 70 kilometers per hour, and scattered rainfall are expected in many districts. This could lead to a drop in temperatures by 2 to 3 degrees, and there are indications of partial relief from the heatwave by the end of the month.

However, intense heat is expected to persist in western Rajasthan and border areas until the last few days of May. Weather experts have advised people to avoid unnecessary afternoon exposure, drink plenty of water, and be cautious of heat waves.