Jaipur: The weather in the desert state is taking a chaotic turn. Just as residents were adjusting to the chill, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a “Double Attack” warning. While dense fog has triggered a Yellow Alert for 12 districts today (Jan 29), a fresh Western Disturbance is poised to bring rain, thunderstorms, and potential hailstorms starting Saturday, January 31.
Phase 1: The Fog (Jan 29-30)
Commuters on the Agra-Jaipur and Delhi-Jaipur highways are facing near-zero visibility this morning.
- Yellow Alert Districts: Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Churu, Sikar, Alwar, Jaipur, Bharatpur, Dausa, and Jhunjhunu.
- Visibility: Dropped below 50 meters in isolated pockets of Hanumangarh and Ganganagar.
- Impact: Traffic is crawling on NH-52 and NH-48. Drivers are advised to use fog lights and avoid early morning travel.
Phase 2: The Storm (Jan 31 – Feb 3)
The real worry begins this weekend. A new weather system is approaching, which directly clashes with the peak wedding season (Sawa).
- Forecast: Light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.
- Hailstorm Risk: Specific alerts for hailstorms (Olavrishti) have been issued for Bikaner, Jaipur, and Bharatpur divisions.
- Wedding Alert: Thousands of open-air weddings scheduled for Feb 1-3 are at risk. Event planners are scrambling to arrange waterproof tents.
Why This Matters To You
- Farmers: The Rabi crops (Mustard, Wheat, Gram) are at a critical stage. While light rain is beneficial, hailstorms could be devastating. Farmers in Sikar and Alwar are on high alert.
- Travelers: The mix of fog (morning) and rain (evening) creates slippery, dangerous road conditions. Tip: Use low-beam headlights, as high-beams reflect off the fog and worsen visibility.
- Health: The fluctuation between humid fog and cold rain is a trigger for respiratory issues.
Key Highlights Box
- 🌫️ Today: Dense Fog (Jaipur, Alwar, Sikar).
- ⛈️ Weekend: Rain & Hail (Jan 31 onwards).
- ⚠️ Risk: Crop Damage & Wedding Disruptions.
- 💡 Action: Cover open wedding venues immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A: Yes. The IMD predicts light rain and thundershowers for Jaipur district starting late night on Jan 30 or early morning Jan 31.
A: Currently, there is no state-wide closure order. However, school timings in districts like Sri Ganganagar and Hanumangarh may be adjusted locally due to extreme fog. Check your district collector’s order.
A: The highest probability of hailstorms is in the Shekhawati region (Sikar, Churu, Jhunjhunu) and parts of the Bikaner division.
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