Jaipur, May 30: A powerful western disturbance caused widespread dust storms, rain, and hail across Rajasthan on Saturday, disrupting daily life in several districts. Winds reached speeds of up to 102 km/h in Churu, Hanumangarh, Sri Ganganagar, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Nagaur, Didwana-Kuchaman, Alwar, and Sikar.
Heavy winds accompanied rainfall in Ajmer and Jodhpur, while rural areas near Jaipur experienced both rain and hail. The sudden weather change led to darkness in many areas during the day, forcing drivers to turn on headlights and slowing down traffic.
The storm originated over Hanumangarh and Sri Ganganagar, initially with winds at about 56 km/h, which later intensified. The strong winds uprooted trees and disrupted power supply in various districts.
In Chomu, near Jaipur, a tin roof from a shop was blown off by the storm and fell onto the service road, narrowly missing 65-year-old Ramsharan Sharma.
While the weather change provided relief from the intense heat, it also caused damage in some areas. In Ratangarh, Churu district, lightning damaged a water tank on a roof, causing part of the wall to collapse.
After a night of dust storms in Bhilwara, rain led to waterlogging on some roads. In Rawatbhata, Chittorgarh district, a sudden dust storm around 8:10 PM reduced visibility significantly.
Pali district also faced heavy disruptions, with vehicles forced to move slowly and pedestrians seeking shelter. Power outages were reported in several areas.
In Jaisalmer, a dust storm hit around 6:40 PM, leaving markets and roads deserted, with many tin roofs blown away before the rain.
The meteorological department issued a red alert for heavy rain and strong winds in Phalodi, Jodhpur, Nagaur, Didwana-Kuchaman, Sikar, Jaipur, Ajmer, Beawar, Tonk, and Dausa, warning of winds up to 80 km/h. An orange alert was issued for Balotra, Kotputli-Bahrod, Alwar, Kherthal-Tijara, Sawai Madhopur, and Karauli.
Satellite imagery showed the storm system rapidly advancing across Rajasthan.