Cold Tightens Grip Across Rajasthan After Season’s First Winter Rain; Fog Alert Issued in Over 18 Districts

Rajasthan witnessed a sharp change in weather as the state recorded its first winter rain (locally known as Mavath) of the season on the final night of 2025, affecting more than half a dozen districts. The rainfall, triggered by an active western disturbance, has brought much-needed relief to farmers, even as dense fog and intensified cold conditions have raised concerns for daily life and transportation at the start of the New Year.

From Wednesday evening through late night on December 31, districts including Jhunjhunu, Sikar, Churu, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Barmer, Jaisalmer, and Jalore received light to moderate rainfall. Jodhpur experienced drizzle accompanied by strong winds, while Bikaner and Barmer saw relatively heavier showers that led to a noticeable drop in temperatures. In Jalore, weather conditions changed abruptly after noon, with widespread evening rainfall reported. Intermittent rain was also recorded in and around Jaisalmer city.

According to the Meteorological Department, the rainfall was caused by a western disturbance, and similar conditions may persist. A rain alert has been issued for five districts on Thursday, with border areas such as Jaisalmer and Sri Ganganagar likely to see weather-related disruptions during New Year celebrations.

Dense Fog Raises Safety Concerns

Following the rain, cold winds have intensified the chill across the state. On January 1, dense fog alerts were issued for more than 18 districts, including Jhunjhunu, Sikar, Jaipur, Alwar, Dausa, Bharatpur, Karauli, and Didwana-Kuchaman. In several areas, morning visibility dropped drastically to between 20 and 50 meters, severely affecting road traffic.

In Karauli’s Todabhim area, a Bolero vehicle skidded off the road due to poor visibility caused by fog. The driver reported that the sharp turn ahead was completely invisible. Alwar recorded dense fog for the third consecutive day, with minimum temperatures hovering around 6 degrees Celsius.

Air Traffic Disrupted

The impact of dense fog extended to air travel as well. An international flight bound for Delhi was diverted to Jaipur due to low visibility at the national capital. Additionally, the Jaipur–Chandigarh Indigo flight and the Jaipur–Delhi Air India flight were cancelled. Passengers at Jaipur Airport expressed strong displeasure over inadequate communication and delays, leading to brief disruptions at the terminal.

Temperature Update

Despite slightly weaker cold winds in some regions over the past 24 hours, rainfall and fog have maintained a strong chill across the state. Maximum daytime temperatures in most cities remained below 30 degrees Celsius. Chittorgarh recorded a high of 29°C, Barmer 28.2°C, Jaisalmer 27.6°C, and Jaipur 24°C. Fatehpur in Sikar district registered the lowest minimum temperature at 6.4°C.

Relief for Farmers, Caution for Citizens

The winter rain has proved beneficial for Rabi crops such as wheat, mustard, and gram, offering timely moisture and boosting agricultural prospects. However, the Meteorological Department has advised the general public to remain cautious, as dense fog and light rain are likely to continue over the next two to three days.

While the New Year has begun on a hopeful note for farmers, residents across Rajasthan are urged to take preventive measures against cold, fog, and reduced visibility to ensure safety.