Jaipur: With active western disturbances and an upper-air cyclonic circulation influencing weather conditions, many parts of Rajasthan witnessed dust storms, hailstorms and moderate showers Friday.The rainfall brought a significant drop in temperatures in several districts, while the western region of the state remained under the grip of heatwave conditions. Jaisalmer was the hottest place in the state, recording a maximum temperature of 44.2°C.The Met office, Jaipur, said the active weather systems are likely to continue influencing weather conditions in the coming days.In Jaipur, weather conditions remained relatively pleasant compared to the western parts of the state. The city recorded a maximum temperature of 38.9°C and a minimum temperature of 26.2°C, both below normal for this time of the year. No rainfall was recorded during the past 24 hours, but increased moisture levels and cloud cover helped keep temperatures in check.Jaisalmer was followed by Phalodi at 43.8°C, Fatehpur at 43.0°C, Barmer at 42.7°C, Bikaner at 42.4°C and Churu at 42.3°C. Jodhpur recorded 40.7°C, Chittorgarh 40.6°C, Pali 40.4°C and Kota 40.1°C. Nagaur and Vanasthali recorded 39.6°C each, followed by Jalore at 39.1°C, Udaipur (Dabok) at 38.9°C, Jawai Dam at 38.0°C, Sriganganagar at 37.7°C — nearly 3.8°C below normal — and Sangaria at 34.8°C. Alwar recorded 32.6°C, Karauli 34.0°C and Pratapgarh 36.0°C.Several places received rainfall Friday, with Jhunjhunu recording the highest rainfall at 51 mm, followed by Sriganganagar at 44.4 mm. The showers brought considerable relief from the heat, particularly in northern and eastern Rajasthan.The Met office forecast rainfall activity across parts of the state Saturday. Jaipur is likely to witness partly cloudy skies, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds reaching 40-50 kmph during the next 24 hours.Officials said thunderstorm activity is expected to intensify over eastern Rajasthan, bringing further relief from the heat, while severe heat conditions may persist in parts of western Rajasthan.
