Rajasthan State PCS

• 24 May 2024

Red Alert in Jaipur

Why in News?

The Jaipur weather office has issued a red alert as temperatures are predicted to exceed 49 degrees in various parts of Rajasthan, emphasizing the importance of taking "extreme care for vulnerable individuals."

Key Points

• According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the heatwave will continue over the next few days. Severe heat wave conditions will be recorded in Jodhpur, Bikaner divisions and Shekhawati region.
  • To provide some relief from the scorching heat, the Bikaner district administration has started sprinkling water on the roads in various areas of the city.
  • Additionally, the State government has cancelled the leave of officers and employees of the Water Department to ensure an uninterrupted supply of drinking water.

India Meteorological Department (IMD)

• About:
  • It is the National Meteorological Service of the country and the principal government agency in all matters relating to meteorology and allied subjects.
  • It is an agency of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India.
• Objectives:
  • To take meteorological observations and to provide current and forecast meteorological information for optimum operation of weather-sensitive activities like agriculture, irrigation, shipping, aviation, offshore oil explorations, etc.
  • To warn against severe weather phenomena like tropical cyclones, norwesters, dust storms, heavy rains and snow, cold and heat waves, etc., which cause destruction of life and property.
  • To provide meteorological statistics required for agriculture, water resource management, industries, oil exploration and other nation-building activities.
  • To conduct and promote research in meteorology and allied disciplines.