As India braces for the monsoon’s arrival, large swathes of northwestern and central parts of the country are reeling under an unprecedented heatwave. Rajasthan has been the worst hit, with Shri Ganganagar district recording a blistering 49.4 degrees Celsius—the highest temperature in the country so far this year, as confirmed by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
This extreme heat event has not only put lives and livelihoods at risk but has also forced authorities to issue health advisories, closely monitor weather developments, and prepare for a potential early monsoon onset.
Heatwave Peaks: Rajasthan Records India’s Highest Temperature in 2025
According to the IMD, Shri Ganganagar registered a maximum temperature of 49.4°C on Friday, June 13, 2025, surpassing all other parts of the country this year. The department officially stated:
"Shri Ganganagar has reported a maximum temperature of 49.4°C on Friday (June 13, 2025). This is the season's highest maximum temperature reported by any station for the year 2025 over India."
The extreme temperature was eight degrees Celsius above normal, underlining the severity of the current heatwave sweeping through western and eastern Rajasthan, parts of Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh.
Widespread Heatwave Conditions Across Rajasthan
Nearly all districts in Rajasthan reported temperatures exceeding 40°C on Friday, with only Mount Abu and Pratapgarh offering some respite by recording 32°C and 38.8°C, respectively. The heatwave has particularly intensified due to clear skies and dry westerly winds, as reported by the Meteorological Center in Jaipur.
Major Temperature Readings Across Rajasthan (June 13, 2025):
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Ganganagar: 49.4°C
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Churu: 47.6°C
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Jaisalmer: 46.9°C
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Jodhpur: 46.3°C
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Barmer: 46.2°C
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Pilani: 45.4°C
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Lunkaransar: 45.2°C
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Pali & Fatehpur: 45.0°C
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Chittorgarh: 44.9°C
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Bhilwara & Jhunjhunu: 44.5°C
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Jaipur (Capital): 44.5°C
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Ajmer: 43.8°C
Shri Ganganagar has reported a maximum temperature of 49.4°C on today, the 13th June 2025. This is the season’s highest maximum temperature reported by any station for the year 2025 over India. @ndmaindia @airnewsalerts @DDNewslive @WMO— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) June 13, 2025
Heatwave Impact Across North India
Rajasthan was not alone in battling scorching conditions. The IMD reported that at least 22 cities in northwest and central India recorded maximum temperatures of 44°C or higher.
Temperature Highlights in Other States:
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Uttar Pradesh:
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Agra: 45.0°C
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Jhansi: 44.9°C
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Banda: 44.6°C
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Haryana:
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Sirsa: 47.6°C
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Punjab:
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Bathinda: 46.0°C
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Madhya Pradesh:
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Khajuraho: 45.0°C
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Gwalior: 44.5°C
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Narmadapuram: 44.4°C
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These extreme temperatures have resulted in severe heatwave conditions in isolated areas and widespread heatwave alerts in multiple states.
Health Advisory and Local Relief Efforts
With health risks surging, state health departments have advised residents to:
Today, Heat wave conditions prevailed at many places with severe heat wave conditions at isolated places over West Rajasthan; Heat wave conditions prevailed at isolated places over East Rajasthan, Jammu division, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh.#IMD #Weatherupdate #mausam #Heatwave… pic.twitter.com/BrGnTp98o8— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) June 13, 2025
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Avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours (12 PM – 4 PM)
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Stay hydrated
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Use cool clothing and shaded areas
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Seek medical attention for heatstroke symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and excessive sweating
Some areas, like Kotputli and Dholpur, experienced brief light showers, which brought temporary relief. Jaipur’s VKI area, as well as parts of Alwar, Ajmer, Bharatpur, Jhunjhunu, and Jodhpur, also reported sudden weather changes, including strong winds and thunderstorms on Friday afternoon.
In Alwar, gusty winds during rain were strong enough to blow off tin sheds, indicating the suddenness and intensity of the weather change.
Meteorological Factors: Humidity and Pre-Monsoon Activity
Weather experts have noted the activation of the eastern Bay of Bengal wind branch, which is increasing humidity levels, especially in the Jaipur, Kota, and Bharatpur divisions. While this has led to rising humidity-related discomfort, it also signals a possible shift in weather patterns as pre-monsoon activity ramps up.
Forecast for Rajasthan:
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Thundershowers and Light Rain: Expected in Jodhpur and Bikaner divisions
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Pre-Monsoon Showers: Likely in Udaipur, Kota, Jaipur, and Bharatpur from Saturday onwards
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Isolated Rainfall Events: Anticipated during afternoons across multiple districts
IMD Forecast: Monsoon Progression and Early Onset
The IMD’s extended range forecast predicts that the southwest monsoon is likely to:
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Cover remaining parts of central and eastern India by June 18
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Advance over most of northwest India between June 19 and June 25
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Reach Delhi around June 22-23, significantly earlier than the usual onset date of June 30
This early onset could bring much-needed relief, especially to regions currently under red alert due to extreme heat.
Caught Between Heatwave and Hope
Rajasthan and neighboring states remain under a climate-induced siege of searing temperatures, setting alarming new records. While localized rains and increased humidity hint at the monsoon’s approach, the IMD’s forecasted timeline suggests that relief is still a few days away.
In the meantime, public awareness, community preparedness, and timely advisories are key to minimizing the health impacts of this extreme weather. As the monsoon advances, its timing and intensity will be critical in alleviating the suffering caused by one of the most intense heatwaves India has seen in years.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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