Jaipur: Rajasthan continued to sizzle under an intense heatwave on Monday, with temperatures hitting dangerous highs across the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued heat alerts for several districts, warning residents of severe conditions.
The Meteorological Centre in Jaipur placed Sriganganagar and Bikaner under an Orange Alert, indicating extreme heat on Monday. A Yellow Alert was also issued for nine other cities facing similar conditions.
Sriganganagar topped the charts as India’s hottest location, recording a maximum temperature of 47.4°C, a steep rise of 2.8°C from Saturday. The heatwave began early Sunday and persisted through the night, with border areas bearing the brunt of the scorching weather.
Bikaner followed closely behind, logging a high of 46°C, making it the second-hottest place in the country.
At least eight other cities across Rajasthan witnessed severe heatwave conditions on Sunday, with little relief expected in the coming two days.
Cities that faced extreme heat include Barmer at 45.9 degree Celsius, Churu at 45.6 degree Celsius, Phalodi at 45.4, Jaisalmer at 45.2, Kota at 45, Pilani and Vanasthali (Tonk) at 44.2, Bhilwara, Alwar, Jodhpur at 43.4 each, Jhunjhunu and Dausa at 43.3 and Jaipur 43.5 degree Celsius, an increase of 1.7 degree Celsius from Saturday.
These extreme temperatures have severely disrupted daily life, with health officials urging residents to stay indoors during peak hours and remain well-hydrated.
Despite nearly all districts crossing the 40°C mark, the state’s only hill station, Mount Abu, offered a cooler contrast with a high of 31°C and a low of 28°C.
On Monday, clouds briefly covered Tonk and surrounding areas, offering a visual break from the heat, though no rainfall was recorded.