Jaipur: Temperatures continued to rise across Rajasthan Tuesday, with several cities recording maximum temperatures close to the 40°C mark, indicating the gradual onset of intense summer conditions. Barmer emerged as the hottest place in the state with a maximum temperature of 40.6°C, slightly above normal for this time of the year. The Met Office, however, said some relief is expected from March 12, while mild showers and a dust storm may occur from March 14.Attributing the current conditions to active anti-cyclonic circulation, the Met Office said a western disturbance expected in the coming days could bring rainfall and dust storms from March 14.In Jaipur, residents woke up to a warmer morning as the minimum temperature settled at 20.6°C. The city also recorded the warmest afternoon of the season so far, with the maximum temperature touching 37.5°C, nearly 7°C above normal. During the afternoon, many roads wore a deserted look as people stayed indoors to avoid the heat.After Barmer, Pilani recorded a maximum temperature of 39.2°C, followed by Chittorgarh (39.0°C), Churu (38.7°C), Jodhpur and Phalodi (38.6°C each), and Jaisalmer (38.5°C). Bikaner recorded 38.2°C, Kota 37.9°C, Sriganganagar 37.3°C, Ajmer 37.0°C, and Alwar 36.0°C.Weather experts said dust storm activity accompanied by light rainfall may occur in isolated parts of western Rajasthan in the coming days due to atmospheric changes and rising surface heating. Strong surface winds may also lead to blowing dust conditions in desert districts such as Barmer, Jaisalmer and Bikaner.For Jaipur, the local forecast for the next 24 hours indicates that the sky will remain mainly clear. However, gusty winds and dust activity may occur during this period.
