Jaipur, April 4 : The impact of an active Western Disturbance continues to grip Rajasthan, with the Meteorological Centre here issuing a heavy rainfall alert for over 20 districts on Saturday.

On Friday, more than 10 districts witnessed intense weather activity, including rain, hailstorms, and dust storms. Hailstorms were reported in Bikaner, Sri Ganganagar, and Jaisalmer, while heavy rain lashed several other regions.

In Jaipur, a severe dust storm late on Friday led to the death of a person.

According to the Meteorological Centre, Jaipur, Director Radheshyam Sharma, strong winds, heavy rainfall, and isolated hailstorms are likely on Saturday in parts of the Udaipur, Ajmer, Kota, Jaipur, and Bharatpur divisions, and the Shekhawati region. While weather activity may ease slightly on April 5â??6, a fresh Western Disturbance is expected to become active from April 7, which could once again intensify storms and rainfall across the state. The spell of storm and rain began in Jaipur around 5 p.m. on Friday and continued till late at night, accompanied by strong winds and widespread disruption.

In Jawahar Nagar, a 50-year-old motorcyclist, Ramjilal Mahawar, died after an electric pole collapsed and fell on him.

The storm also caused damage in several parts of the city and led to waterlogging in key areas, inconveniencing residents. The sudden weather shift has resulted in a drop of up to 7 degrees Celsius in daytime temperatures across several districts. Many cities experienced an unusual mild chill during the day. The highest maximum temperature recorded on Friday was 35.6 degrees Celsius in Chittorgarh and Alwar, while temperatures in some areas dropped significantly. Rain, strong winds, and hailstorms have caused extensive damage to Rabi crops, especially mustard, wheat, and gram, in multiple districts.

Agricultural produce kept in the open in mandis has also been affected due to rainfall.

Meteorologists note that Western Disturbances typically weaken after March. However, this year has seen continuous activity since March 13, with six weather systems becoming active in a short spanâ??an unusual trend that has altered normal weather patterns and impacted agriculture.

In the past 24 hours, rainfall was recorded in Bikaner, Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Churu, Jaisalmer, Jhunjhunu, Sikar, Nagaur, Barmer, Jodhpur, Jalore, Jaipur, Ajmer, Alwar, Tonk, and nearby regions. With continued alerts in place and another weather system on the horizon, authorities have urged residents and farmers to remain cautious and take necessary precautions.

/IANS