Storms and Hail Lash Rajasthan After Scorching Heat, Killing Three in Jaipur

Key facts

• Three people died in Jaipur, Tonk, and Ajmer on Saturday due to thunderstorms and rain.
• Jaipur recorded one death from the storms on Sunday, with hundreds of trees uprooted and property damaged.
• Yellow alerts have been issued for 11 districts in Rajasthan, including Jaipur, Ajmer, and Jaisalmer.
• Barmer recorded a temperature of 44.6°C, Jaisalmer 44.4°C, and Barmer 44.3°C amid the heatwave.
• A western disturbance is expected to become active in the next 4-5 days, potentially raising temperatures by 1-2°C.
• Eight states—Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, and Chhattisgarh—experienced storms and rain on Saturday.

Deadly Turn in Weather After Record Heat

After weeks of scorching heat that pushed temperatures above 44°C in parts of Rajasthan, a sudden outbreak of thunderstorms and hail has killed at least three people in the state. The deaths occurred on Saturday in Jaipur, Tonk, and Ajmer, as violent winds and rain swept through the region. In Jaipur alone, one person died on Sunday as storms continued, uprooting hundreds of trees and damaging homes across several neighborhoods. The meteorological department has issued yellow alerts for 11 districts, warning of more thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds through May 6.

Eight States Hit by Storms; Uttarakhand CM's Helicopter Diverted

The severe weather extended beyond Rajasthan, affecting at least eight states on Saturday: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, and Chhattisgarh. In Uttarakhand, the chief minister's helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing amid hail, while in Dehradun, the city was plunged into an evening-like gloom as dark clouds unleashed heavy rain. In Haryana's Ambala, waterlogging hit several colonies after rainfall. Meanwhile, in Madhya Pradesh, over 20 districts reported storms with wind speeds of 30-50 kmph, accompanied by hail in some areas. The state's weather office has warned that similar conditions will persist until May 6, with 27 districts on alert for Sunday.

Heatwave Persists in Western Rajasthan Despite Storms

Despite the storms, extreme heat continues to grip western Rajasthan. Barmer recorded the state's highest temperature at 44.6°C, while Jaisalmer and Barmer both saw 44.4°C and 44.3°C respectively. Across the country, Maharashtra's Wardha was the hottest at 44.5°C, followed by Chandrapur at 44.4°C. The contrast between the storm-hit eastern and central districts and the heat-baked western regions underscores the volatile weather pattern. The meteorological department has issued a heatwave alert for western Rajasthan, even as thunderstorms and yellow alerts remain in place for the same area.

Crop Damage Fears Grow as Unstable Weather Continues

The sudden change in weather has heightened anxiety among farmers, who fear damage to standing crops from hail, strong winds, and heavy rain. The instability—hot days followed by evening storms—has made conditions particularly precarious for wheat and other rabi crops nearing harvest. Meteorologists attribute the erratic pattern to a western disturbance expected to become active in the next 4-5 days. This could further destabilize the weather, with a potential 1-2°C rise in maximum temperatures, offering some relief from the heatwave but increasing the risk of more thunderstorms.

Flight Operations Disrupted at Jaipur Airport

The storms have also caused significant disruption to air travel. Bad weather triggered diversions and an emergency landing at Jaipur airport, with 11 Delhi-bound flights diverted to the city. Passengers were stranded for up to 10 hours, and pilots reportedly refused to fly due to unsafe conditions. IndiGo issued a travel advisory as the disruptions continued, warning passengers of delays and cancellations. The situation highlights the broader impact of the weather on infrastructure and daily life across the region.

Outlook: More Storms Likely Before Heatwave Returns

The meteorological department predicts that the current spell of thunderstorms will continue until May 6, with yellow alerts in place for 11 districts in Rajasthan. After that, a western disturbance may bring a temporary rise in temperatures by 1-2°C, potentially ending the relief from the heatwave. However, the longer-term forecast suggests that heatwave conditions are likely to return from May 9, particularly in western Rajasthan. The coming week will thus see a volatile mix of storms and heat, posing ongoing risks to life, property, and agriculture.

The bottom line

• At least three people died in Rajasthan from thunderstorms, with Jaipur alone reporting one death and extensive tree damage.
• Eight states across northern and central India experienced severe storms, with yellow alerts in 11 Rajasthan districts through May 6.
• Western Rajasthan continues to face extreme heat, with Barmer at 44.6°C, even as storms lash other parts of the state.
• Farmers are concerned about crop damage from hail and strong winds during the critical harvest period.
• Flight operations at Jaipur airport were severely disrupted, with diversions and an emergency landing.
• A western disturbance may raise temperatures by 1-2°C in the coming days, but heatwave conditions are expected to return after May 9.