Rajasthan, a state renowned for its vibrant culture and expansive landscapes, is currently experiencing dense fog across various cities. This weather phenomenon has significantly reduced visibility, causing disruptions in daily activities and transportation. As Western Disturbances become active in North India, Rajasthan is bracing for further weather changes influenced by northern winds, leading to intensified cold fronts.
Current Fog Conditions Across Rajasthan
On Saturday morning, Rajasthan’s cities are enveloped in heavy fog, with visibility in some areas dropping below 20 meters. Cities such as Sri Ganganagar, Alwar, Dausa, Kota, Bharatpur, Sikar, and Churu are particularly affected. The thick fog has severely hampered visibility on highways, making vehicle movement perilous. Motorists have reported that navigating through Expressways and National Highways has become increasingly challenging due to the reduced visibility and slowed traffic flow.
Impact on Major Cities
- Alwar: The city has been under a blanket of dense fog since Saturday morning, with visibility plummeting to below 40 meters. This has led to slowed traffic and delays in public transportation.
- Dausa: Experiencing continuous heavy fog for the second consecutive day, Dausa’s visibility has dipped below 50 meters. The persistent fog has resulted in cautious driving and increased accident risks on major roads.
- Sri Ganganagar: Visibility in Sri Ganganagar has fallen below 20 meters, with fog making it difficult to see oncoming traffic. The minimum temperature recorded is 6.1°C, adding to the discomfort caused by the cold.
Influence of Western Disturbances
Western Disturbances, which are weather systems originating in the Mediterranean region, have become active in North India and are expected to impact Rajasthan starting January 5th. These disturbances will bring cloud cover to areas like Ganganagar and Hanumangarh, potentially leading to light rain or drizzle. The introduction of Western Disturbances typically results in increased cloudiness and precipitation, altering the prevailing weather patterns.
Forecast for the Upcoming Days
Meteorologists predict that after the passage of these systems, starting from January 7th, Rajasthan will once again experience the influence of northern winds. This will lead to a drop in temperatures, with an increased likelihood of colder weather setting in across the state. The return of northern winds is expected to bring a chilly front, intensifying the already cold conditions caused by the ongoing fog.
Temperature Trends Across Rajasthan
Recent temperature readings across Rajasthan indicate a significant variation influenced by the prevailing weather conditions:
- Dungarpur: Recorded a high of 32.3°C.
- Jodhpur and Barmer: Both cities reported temperatures of 30.7°C.
- Nagaur and Chittorgarh: Temperatures stood at 30.7°C and 30.2°C, respectively.
- Udaipur: Experienced a high of 30°C, benefiting from the sunny weather that has provided relief from the cold.
In contrast, cities experiencing dense fog have recorded much lower temperatures:
- Jaipur: The capital city saw temperatures reach up to 26.8°C, with strong sunlight during the day.
- Ajmer: Temperature recorded at 28.8°C.
- Bhilwara: Recorded 28.9°C.
- Pratapgarh: Reached 28.2°C.
- Dausa: Recorded 29.9°C.
- Bikaner: Temperature stood at 27.4°C.
- Jaisalmer: Lower temperatures of 26.1°C were noted.
Other regions like Kota, Alwar, Sri Ganganagar, Dholpur, Hanumangarh, and Mount Abu have also recorded varying temperatures, reflecting the diverse climatic conditions within Rajasthan.
Transport and Daily Life Disruptions
The heavy fog has had a profound impact on transportation across Rajasthan. Highway traffic has slowed considerably, with vehicles moving cautiously to navigate through the low-visibility conditions. In cities like Dausa and Sri Ganganagar, drivers have reported that even headlights from oncoming traffic are barely visible, increasing the risk of road accidents.
Public transportation services have also faced delays and cancellations, affecting commuters who rely on buses and trains for their daily travel. The reduced visibility poses significant challenges for aviation services as well, leading to flight delays and cancellations at regional airports.
Health Implications of Thick Fog and Cold Weather
The combination of dense fog and low temperatures poses several health risks to the residents of Rajasthan. Prolonged exposure to cold weather can lead to respiratory issues, especially among the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. Additionally, the dampness associated with fog can exacerbate joint pain and other musculoskeletal problems.
It is advised for individuals to take necessary precautions, such as wearing warm clothing, using face masks to protect against respiratory irritants, and avoiding unnecessary outdoor activities during peak fog hours.
Safety Measures and Precautions
Given the challenging weather conditions, both authorities and residents must take proactive measures to ensure safety:
- Road Safety: Authorities should implement fog-related traffic regulations, such as reduced speed limits and mandatory use of fog lights for vehicles.
- Public Awareness: Launching awareness campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of driving in foggy conditions and encouraging the use of public transportation where possible.
- Emergency Services: Ensuring that emergency services are adequately prepared and responsive to incidents caused by the adverse weather.
Looking Ahead: Weather Predictions
As Rajasthan navigates through the current weather challenges, meteorologists emphasize the importance of staying updated with the latest forecasts. With the anticipated return of northern winds on January 7th, residents can expect a further decline in temperatures, potentially leading to harsher winter conditions.
It is crucial for individuals and communities to stay informed through reliable sources and heed the advice of weather authorities to mitigate the impact of these weather changes.
