Why in the News?

• Mount Abu, Rajasthan's only hill station, recorded a temperature of 2.4 degrees Celsius, marking the state's lowest temperature.

=> Note: The highest peak in the Aravalli Range is Guru Shikhar, located on Mount Abu.

Key Points:

=> Other Regions: In the plains, Sangaria of Hanumangarh recorded a minimum of 5.8°C followed by 6.8°C in Lunkaransar, 7.3°C each in Sirohi and Fatehpur.

=> According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Pilani recorded 7.6°C followed by 7.8°C in Churu, 8.2°C each in Sikar and Sriganganagar and 8.8°C in Nagaur.

=> Weather Conditions: The cold conditions have affected various parts of Rajasthan, with temperatures significantly lower than usual for this time of year.

=> Impact: The unusual cold has prompted discussions about its effects on daily life, agriculture, and tourism in the region.

India Meteorological Department (IMD):

About:

• IMD was established in 1875. It is the National Meteorological Service of the country and the principal government agency in all matters relating to meteorology and allied subjects.
• It works as an agency of the Ministry of Earth Sciences of the Government of India.
• It is headquartered in New Delhi.
• IMD is also one of the six Regional Specialized Meteorological Centres of the World Meteorological Organization.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• 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.