Jaipur: A strong western disturbance battered Rajasthan for the second consecutive day on Friday, bringing widespread unseasonal rain and hailstorms, sharply lowering temperatures and damaging standing crops across several districts. Day temperatures dropped by around 11°C on average, with Sriganganagar, Hanumangarh and Bikaner witnessing near winter-like conditions. According to the Jaipur Meteorological Centre, most places recorded maximum temperatures below 30°C and minimums under 20°C—an unusual trend for March. Jaipur and adjoining areas received mild to moderate rain early Friday, with showers beginning around 3am. The three-day spell has led to a Feb-like chill, surprising weather experts as dense fog and hailstorms are rare this time of year. Jaipur recorded a minimum of 16.1°C, about 2.2 degrees below normal, and a maximum of 26.0°C, along with 13.3 mm rainfall. Officials said such a dip, particularly sub-30°C daytime temperatures in March, is uncommon. In Tonk and Dholpur, hailstones—some the size of chickpeas—damaged moong and other rabi crops, raising concerns among farmers over further losses if the weather persists. Similar hail activity affected agricultural areas in Deeg. Fog compounded the disruption in Sriganganagar, where visibility dropped below 10 metre, affecting morning traffic. Rainfall data showed 25 mm precipitation in Nokha (Bikaner), while several areas in Jaipur, Bikaner and Jodhpur divisions recorded 5–10 mm rain. The Met office has forecast mainly clear skies Sunday, but warned that another western disturbance from March 21.
