Dust storms, rain bring respite; heatwave likely from Thursday

Jaipur: A strong sandstorm swept through the districts of Jaisalmer, Jalore and Jodhpur Sunday, while thunderstorms and rainfall continued to bring relief from the heat across the state. Met office, however, said that from Thursday next week heat wave conditions are likely to revive.Clouds of dust were seen rising over the Sultanana and Mohangarh areas of Jaisalmer before moving across the region. In Ramgarh, a powerful sandstorm reduced visibility, enveloped the town in darkness, and disrupted electricity supply.The latest weather activity follows Saturday’s severe dust storm that affected more than 15 districts. As per records, the wind speeds crossed 80 kmph in several places with highest wind speed of 102 kmph being recorded at Kishangarh Airport.The combined impact of dust storms, rain and hailstorms has triggered a fall in temperatures across Rajasthan. Over the past three days, maximum temperatures have dropped by 9°C to 12°C in several cities.Barmer recorded the state’s highest maximum temperature at 42°C Sunday, followed by Jaisalmer at 41.5°C.Jaipur witnessed a pleasant morning with a minimum temperature of 21.4°C, 6.3 degrees below normal. The city later recorded a maximum of 35.6°C, 5.6 degrees below normal, amid hazy conditions and mild evening storms. No significant rainfall was reported in the city.Bhilwara received 19 mm rain, Churu 14.8 mm and Ajmer 11.8 mm during the last 24 hours. Jaipur recorded 4.2 mm rainfall, while light rain and drizzle were reported from several other districts.In Udaipur, strong winds and thunderstorms Saturday night uprooted several trees. A major accident was averted when a tree fell on a motorcycle moments after its riders managed to move away.Met office in its forecast said that light-to-moderate rainfall is likely in several parts of Rajasthan over the next three days. However, from Thursday, mercury is likely to take an upward swing.