IMD Issues Heatwave Advisory for Rajasthan on April 16, 2026; Bikaner Records 42.8°C as Western Districts Brace for 44°C-Plus Mark

On April 16, 2026, the India Meteorological Department's Jaipur Meteorological Centre issued an advisory for clear skies, intense solar radiation and heatwave-like conditions across large parts of Rajasthan. According to the bulletin and reporting on the day, Bikaner recorded the State's highest day temperature at 42.8 degrees Celsius on April 15, 2026, with Churu, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Sri Ganganagar among other western and northern districts crossing 40 degrees Celsius. Heatwave-like conditions were specifically reported in Bikaner, Phalodi and Jaisalmer. Night temperatures also rose appreciably, with Phalodi recording a warm-night reading of 29.2 degrees Celsius. Radheshyam Sharma, Director of the Meteorological Centre Jaipur, was quoted by Times Now Navbharat as forecasting a further 2 to 3 degree Celsius rise within the week, with maximum temperatures in western districts expected to reach 44 degrees Celsius or higher. The Department advised residents — particularly children, the elderly, and outdoor workers — to avoid direct sun exposure between noon and 4 p.m., wear light-coloured loose cotton clothing, and stay hydrated with ORS, lemon water and buttermilk. The State Disaster Management Authority and district administrations in Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Phalodi, Churu, Hanumangarh, Sri Ganganagar and Barmer were placed on heatwave alert in line with the Rajasthan Heat Action Plan.