Rajasthan is feeling the full force of winter’s early bite as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded a cold wave alert for the entire state starting today. Icy winds blowing down from the snow-covered Himalayas are set to make things even colder until at least December 7. In Lunkaransar, a small town in the Bikaner division, the mercury dropped to a chilling 5.9°C last night – the lowest in the state so far this season. A yellow alert is in place for the Shekhawati region, covering Sikar and Jhunjhunu districts, where temperatures could dip even further to 4-5°C in the coming days.
Daytime highs are also struggling, staying below 26°C in many parts of Rajasthan. Foggy mornings and hazy afternoons are adding to the woes, with warnings of low visibility on roads. This cold spell comes right after a short break from a western disturbance, but now dry northwesterly winds are taking over, pushing the chill deeper into the desert state.
IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said in a recent update, “We are expecting four to five extra days of cold wave conditions this winter in Rajasthan and nearby states like Punjab, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh. Normally, we see four to six such days from December to February, but this year could be harsher.” The alert is a wake-up call for residents, especially farmers and daily wage workers, to prepare for the freeze.
Why Is This Cold Wave Hitting Rajasthan So Hard and So Early?
Rajasthan’s vast deserts and open plains make it a sitting duck for cold waves. When chilly air from the Himalayas rushes south, it doesn’t lose steam easily over the flat land. This time, a weak western disturbance – those rain-bringing systems from the Mediterranean – gave a brief warm-up till December 2. But as it clears out, the northwesterly winds kick in, carrying frost from the mountains.
The IMD defines a cold wave as when the minimum temperature drops to 10°C or below in the plains, or falls 4.5°C to 6.4°C below normal. In Rajasthan, many spots are already there or close. Last night’s readings show Churu at 6.2°C, Pilani at 7.1°C, and Alwar at 8.5°C. Jaipur, the pink city, shivered at 9.8°C, while Jodhpur in the west hit 10.5°C – still cold for early December.
Experts say this is just the start. “The polar vortex – that big swirl of cold air up north – is stronger this year, sending more waves our way,” explained a senior IMD official in Jaipur. Spatial maps from IMD show below-normal temperatures for Haryana, Delhi, Gujarat, and Rajasthan through the month. Rainfall? Mostly dry, which means no melt from clouds to ease the chill.
This isn’t Rajasthan’s first rodeo with early cold. Last November, parts of the state saw record lows, but December 2025 looks set to top it with longer spells. The season’s first cold wave hit isolated pockets in northeast Rajasthan back in November 8-18, but now it’s statewide.
District-Wise Temperature Breakdown: Where It’s Hitting Hardest
Here’s a quick look at last night’s minimums and today’s expected highs across key Rajasthan cities. Data from IMD stations shows the plunge is real, with fog making drives tricky.
| District/City | Last Night Min (°C) | Today Max (°C) | Alert Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lunkaransar (Bikaner) | 5.9 | 22.5 | Cold Wave Watch |
| Churu | 6.2 | 23.0 | Yellow |
| Sikar (Shekhawati) | 7.0 | 24.1 | Yellow (Dec 3-4) |
| Jhunjhunu | 7.2 | 24.0 | Yellow (Dec 3-4) |
| Pilani | 7.1 | 23.8 | Cold Wave |
| Jaipur | 9.8 | 25.2 | Fog Advisory |
| Alwar | 8.5 | 24.5 | Cold Wave |
| Jodhpur | 10.5 | 26.0 | Mild Chill |
| Udaipur | 11.2 | 25.8 | Fog |
| Kota | 10.8 | 25.5 | Watch |
Sources: IMD bulletins for December 3, 2025. Expect another 2-3°C drop in mins by December 5 in northern districts.
The yellow alert for Sikar and Jhunjhunu means “be aware” – prepare for disruptions. IMD says cold wave conditions will peak December 3-5 in northwest India, extending to Rajasthan till the 7th.
Safety Tips: How to Stay Warm and Safe in This Freeze
With kids in school, elders at home, and farmers in fields, the cold can bite hard. IMD and local health officials are urging simple steps:
- Dress in Layers: Woolens inside, jackets out. Cover head, neck, and feet – they lose heat fast.
- Stay Indoors at Night: Bonfires are common in villages, but watch for smoke pollution. Use electric heaters if you can.
- Road Safety: Fog cuts visibility to 50 meters in spots. Drive slow, use fog lights, avoid night travel. Rajasthan Police has extra patrols on highways.
- Health Watch: Drink warm fluids, eat hot meals. Elders and kids at risk for coughs or worse – see a doctor early.
- Farmers Alert: Protect crops like mustard and wheat from frost. Cover tender plants with cloth.
Dr. Rajesh Sharma, a Jaipur-based doctor, warns: “Hypothermia sneaks up in dry cold. If fingers numb or speech slurs, get help fast.” Schools in affected districts may shift timings or close if it worsens.
On the ground, people are adapting. In Churu, shopkeeper Ram Singh says, “We light fires early now. Sales of shawls up 30% this week.” A farmer from Sikar added, “Cattle need extra fodder; cold hits them too.”
What This Means for Travel, Daily Life, and the Bigger Winter Picture
Flights from Jaipur and Jodhpur airports report no big delays yet, but early morning fog could snag them. Trains like the Ajmer-Shatabdi are running, but check IRCTC for updates. Roads in Shekhawati saw minor pile-ups yesterday from mist – expect more.
This cold wave is part of a harsher winter forecast. IMD predicts above-normal cold days for north and central India, thanks to La Niña patterns – that cooling of Pacific waters that amps up chills here. December rainfall normal (79-121% of average), but mostly dry in Rajasthan, so no relief from clouds.
Tourists in Udaipur or Pushkar fairs? Pack heavy. Locals, stock up on essentials. As one X user posted yesterday: “Rajasthan winters: Beautiful but brutal. Stay safe, folks!”
The state government is on alert too. Relief minister Kirori Lal Meena said, “Helplines open, blankets to needy villages by tomorrow.” With 80% of Rajasthan rural, this chill tests everyone’s grit.
Past Cold Waves and What Makes 2025 Different
Rajasthan has seen bad winters before. In 2019, Phalodi hit 2.2°C, freezing canals. 2022 brought fog that shut Jaipur airport for days. But 2025? Early start, longer duration. IMD’s weekly forecast for November 27-December 3 already noted cold pockets in west Rajasthan.
Why tougher? Climate shifts. Warmer oceans push cold air south faster. Plus, fewer green covers mean less warmth trapped. Scientists at IITM Pune say urban heat in Jaipur softens the blow there, but villages suffer more.
Voices from the Chill: What Rajasthanis Are Saying
In Jaipur’s markets, vendor Meena Devi bundles up: “Nights feel like January now. Kids won’t play outside.” A truck driver from Jhunjhunu: “Fog on NH48 is scary; one crash yesterday.” On social media, posts flood in: “Bikaner at 6°C – time for masala chai!” from a local handle.
CM Bhajan Lal Sharma tweeted: “Cold wave alert taken seriously. Dist admins ensuring warmth reaches every home.” Opposition leader Ashok Gehlot: “Government must aid vulnerable; last winter’s lessons forgotten?”
Will the Cold Linger into New Year?
IMD’s extended range: Below-normal mins till mid-December, then possible warm spell. But overall, 2025-26 winter: Colder than last year. Track via IMD app or mausam.imd.gov.in.
This wave reminds us: Rajasthan’s beauty hides its harsh side. Stay warm, stay safe – winter’s just warming up.
FAQs
1. What is the IMD cold wave alert for Rajasthan in December 2025?
The IMD has issued a statewide cold wave alert starting December 3, 2025, due to icy Himalayan winds. A yellow alert is specific for Sikar and Jhunjhunu (Shekhawati) on Dec 3-4, with conditions lasting till Dec 7. Minimums below 10°C qualify as cold wave; expect 4-5 extra days this season.
2. Which areas in Rajasthan are most affected by the current cold wave?
Northern and western districts are hit hardest: Lunkaransar (5.9°C), Churu (6.2°C), Pilani (7.1°C), Sikar, and Jhunjhunu (yellow alert, possible 4-5°C). Jaipur at 9.8°C, Alwar 8.5°C. Southern spots like Udaipur milder at 11°C, but fog statewide.
3. What causes this early cold wave in Rajasthan?
After a western disturbance till Dec 2, dry northwesterly winds from Himalayas bring the chill. Stronger polar vortex and La Niña effects make 2025 winter harsher. Dry weather means no cloud cover for warmth; below-normal temps forecast for northwest India.
4. Are there any travel disruptions due to fog and cold in Rajasthan?
Yes, dense fog reduces visibility to 50m on highways like NH48. Airports in Jaipur, Jodhpur monitor for delays; trains on time but check apps. Rajasthan Police advises slow driving, fog lights. No major closures yet, but night travel risky.
5. How can I protect my health and home during this cold wave?
Layer clothes, cover extremities, stay indoors evenings. Warm soups, fluids help. For homes: Seal windows, use heaters safely. Farmers: Cover crops from frost. Elders/kids: Watch for hypothermia signs like shivering. Helpline: 1077 for aid.
6. Will the cold wave continue beyond December 7 in Rajasthan?
IMD forecasts below-normal mins through mid-Dec, with possible warm breaks. Overall winter (Dec-Feb): Above-normal cold days, 4-5 extra. Rainfall normal but dry in state. Track updates on IMD site for changes.