Heat in Bikaner amid active monsoon and regional heavy-rain alerts
Bikaner registered the highest maximum temperature in the country at 40.1°C on Saturday as the monsoon remained active over large parts of India, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported. The temperature spike in the desert city comes even as the IMD issued warnings of heavy to very heavy rainfall for parts of central and south-central India and cautions for rough seas and strong winds along some coastal belts.
The IMD attributed the changing weather pattern to a low-pressure area centred over southern Chhattisgarh and adjoining regions, which is likely to move west-northwestwards over the next 24 hours. A western disturbance over northern India is also expected to influence weather across the Himalayan region and adjoining plains.
- Very heavy rainfall alert: Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Vidarbha — orange alert for isolated locations with expected rainfall between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm.
- Strong winds: Coastal Andhra Pradesh may experience winds up to 60 km/h, along with thunderstorms and lightning.
- Rough seas: Fishermen advised to avoid venturing out along Gujarat and Andhra coasts due to expected rough sea conditions.
- Regional rain: Delhi-NCR, Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh may see scattered rainfall over the coming days.
The IMD warned that the developing low-pressure system could intensify rainfall across Chhattisgarh, Vidarbha and neighbouring districts over the next few days, raising concerns about waterlogging and localised flooding in vulnerable, low-lying areas. Agricultural districts in the alert zone were advised to ensure proper drainage to protect standing crops from prolonged waterlogging.
"Authorities have advised residents in vulnerable and low-lying locations to remain alert to the possibility of waterlogging and localised flooding," the IMD bulletin said.
For Bikaner residents, the immediate impact is the persistence of high temperatures despite the broader monsoon activity. The 40.1°C reading underscores the region's susceptibility to heat even during the rainy season, a reminder that monsoon dynamics can produce contrasting conditions across short distances in Rajasthan and adjoining states.
Besides the flood risk in central India, the IMD noted strong winds and thunderstorm potential across several regions. Coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh were singled out for gusty winds that could reach 60 km/h, while rough conditions were expected off the coasts of Gujarat and Andhra, prompting the advisory for fishermen to exercise caution and avoid fishing operations until seas calm.
| Region | IMD Alert | Key Note |
|---|---|---|
| Chhattisgarh, Vidarbha, Telangana | Very heavy rain (orange) | 115.6–204.4 mm at isolated places; flood/waterlogging risk |
| Coastal Andhra Pradesh | Strong winds | Winds up to 60 km/h; thunderstorms possible |
| Gujarat & Andhra coasts | Rough seas | Fishermen advised not to venture into sea |
| Delhi-NCR, Haryana, Punjab, UP | Scattered rain | Light to moderate showers expected over coming days |
Local administrations in districts under the orange alert were urged to keep relief and drainage arrangements ready and to issue timely advisories for residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Farmers in the heavy-rainfall belt were specifically advised to take protective measures for standing crops and to ensure field drainage to reduce potential crop damage.
For Rajasthan and Bikaner in particular, the IMD situation highlights the complex interplay of monsoon currents and western disturbances that can leave arid inland areas unusually hot even as heavy rains batter central and coastal regions. Residents are advised to monitor official IMD updates and follow local civic advisories for heat precautions and any contingency measures should weather conditions change rapidly.
