Jaipur, July 22 (IANS) The southwest monsoon has regained momentum across Rajasthan following the formation of a weather system over the Bay of Bengal, triggering widespread rainfall and a sharp drop in temperatures. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for four districts on Wednesday, while the remaining districts are under a yellow alert. Heavy rain has lashed several parts of the state since early morning.Udaipur recorded its heaviest rainfall of the season, while Kota and Baran received more than five inches of rain, leading to overflowing rivers, waterlogging, and the opening of a gate at the Kalisindh Dam.Light to moderate showers have also been reported from Jaipur, Kotputli-Behror, Ajmer and several other districts.

The Meteorological Centre, Jaipur, has forecast that the monsoon will remain active across Rajasthan until July 25, with heavy rainfall likely in many districts.According to the IMD, the highest rainfall during the last 24 hours was recorded in Chhipabarod (Baran), which was 130 mm, followed by 101 mm in Sultanpur (Kota). Heavy rainfall was also recorded in Hanumangarh, Bundi, Alwar, Karauli, Jhunjhunu and Sawai Madhopur, while light to moderate showers occurred in Dausa, Jhalawar, Tonk, Nagaur, Udaipur, Churu, Sri Ganganagar and Bharatpur.Udaipur witnessed nearly an hour of intense rainfall early Wednesday morning, bringing the city's heaviest spell of the current monsoon season. The showers brought down temperatures significantly and drew visitors back to popular tourist spots after the rain eased.

Heavy rainfall in Ajmer led to waterlogging in several localities, disrupting traffic and leaving vehicles stranded. On Taragarh Road in Subhash Nagar, an overflowing under-construction drain spilled onto the road. A two-wheeler rider fell into a pothole filled with rainwater and was rescued by local residents. The district recorded 39.4 mm (1.5 inches) of rainfall in the past 24 hours, helping reduce the rainfall deficit while making the weather considerably cooler. Continuous rain in the Hadoti region has caused the Parvan and Kalisindh rivers to swell.

In Manoharthana (Jhalawar), the Parvan River rose nearly 3 feet, submerging a small bridge and part of a temple.With inflows increasing from Madhya Pradesh, authorities opened one gate of the Kalisindh Dam by about 0.10 metres, releasing nearly 426 cusecs of water.The widespread rainfall has brought substantial relief from heat and humidity across the state. Maximum temperatures fell by 4 degrees to 9 degrees Celsius in cities including Jaipur, Alwar, Pilani, Sikar, Ajmer, Churu and Sri Ganganagar. Although Jaisalmer remained the hottest city at 39.6 degrees Celsius, no location in Rajasthan recorded a maximum temperature above 40 degrees for the first time in nearly two weeks.On Wednesday, an orange alert was issued for four districts while a yellow alert was announced for the rest of Rajasthan. Monsoon is expected to remain active till July 25 in the state.

/IANS