Western disturbance brings rain, gusty winds, and rare hail across Rajasthan
April 4, 2026: Hailstorms, gusty winds, and light rain swept across parts of Rajasthan over the past 24 hours due to a western disturbance, according to the meteorological department. Padampur in Sri Ganganagar recorded the highest rainfall at 11.5 mm, while areas like Bikaner witnessed significant hailstorm activity. A viral video from Arjunsar showed fields blanketed in ice, resembling snowfall, sparking concerns among farmers over crop damage.
The local weather office reported that Bikaner recorded a maximum temperature of 30°C on April 4, with a 31% chance of rain. Authorities have issued a yellow warning, with more rain and hailstorms expected on Saturday and again around April 7–8. The unusual weather pattern is particularly striking for Bikaner, one of India’s driest regions, which had recorded temperatures touching 40°C around the same time last year.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast thunderstorms, gusty winds, and rainfall across multiple divisions, including Jodhpur, Jaipur, Ajmer, Bharatpur, Kota, and Udaipur. While activity may briefly ease on April 5–6, another strong western disturbance is likely to intensify weather conditions again from April 7. Similar hailstorm alerts have also been issued for northern states, raising broader concerns about shifting climate patterns.
