Jaipur, May 18 : Heatwave conditions intensified across Rajasthan, with a sharp rise in both day and night temperatures in several districts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for 19 districts for Monday and Tuesday, warning that maximum temperatures in many areas are likely to remain between 42 and 45 degrees Celsius.

The highest maximum temperature in the state was recorded in Barmer at 45.4 degrees Celsius, while Sirohi registered the lowest minimum temperature at 22.6 degrees Celsius.

According to the Meteorological Department, the heat is expected to intensify further this week, not only in western Rajasthan but also in the northern and eastern parts of the state.

On Sunday, clear skies and intense sunshine prevailed across Rajasthan. Along with Barmer, several other cities recorded extremely high daytime temperatures. Bikaner recorded 45 degrees Celsius, Jaisalmer 44.9 degrees Celsius, Phalodi 44.8 degrees Celsius, Chittorgarh 44.6 degrees Celsius, Kota and Vanasthali (Tonk) 44.2 degrees Celsius, Sri Ganganagar 44.1 degrees Celsius, Jodhpur 43.8 degrees Celsius, and Churu 43.6 degrees Celsius.

The heatwave has also begun affecting nighttime temperatures. Hanumangarh recorded the hottest night in the state with a minimum temperature of 33.2 degrees Celsius. Minimum temperatures were recorded at 32.6 degrees Celsius in Chittorgarh, 32.2 degrees Celsius in Phalodi, 32 degrees Celsius in Barmer, 31.1 degrees Celsius in Jodhpur, 30.1 degrees Celsius in Kota, and 30 degrees Celsius in Jaisalmer.

Meteorologists say the unusually high nighttime temperatures are increasing discomfort levels and preventing relief from the daytime heat. Jaipur witnessed intense sunshine from morning until evening on Sunday, with temperatures rising for the third consecutive day.

The maximum temperature increased by 1.3 degrees to reach 42.7 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature settled at 28.6 degrees Celsius. The Meteorological Department has forecast similar weather conditions in Jaipur over the next three to four days, with temperatures likely to rise by another 1 to 2 degrees. Kota remained under severe heat conditions on Sunday, with the maximum temperature reaching 44.2 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature recorded at 30.1 degrees Celsius.

The intense heat significantly reduced public movement during afternoon hours, with roads appearing deserted between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. In several gaushalas (cow shelters), coolers have been installed, and water is being sprayed on cows multiple times a day to protect them from the heat.

Ajmer also experienced severe heatwave conditions as hot winds (Loo) blew throughout the day. The maximum temperature crossed 42.4 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature hovered around 27 degrees Celsius. Jodhpur continued to record above-normal temperatures, with the maximum temperature reaching 43.8 degrees Celsius, nearly 2.3 degrees above normal. The minimum temperature was recorded at 31.1 degrees Celsius, about 3 degrees above seasonal averages.

The Meteorological Department has advised residents to avoid direct exposure to sunlight during afternoon hours, stay hydrated, and take precautions against heat-related illnesses as the heatwave conditions are expected to continue across Rajasthan over the coming days.

/IANS