BARMER, May 26 -- A massive dust storm swept across the bordering districts of Barmer and Jaisalmer on Sunday, shrouding the sky in haze and severely reducing visibility. From urban centers to remote villages, everything appeared covered in thick dust. The sun remained hidden behind the dusty veil, making it difficult to see even 50 meters ahead in many places. The dust was reportedly thicker in villages than in the city, causing breathing difficulties for many elderly residents. In Jaisalmer, the sky was similarly clouded with dust, and from the Sonar Fort, the entire city looked enveloped in a dusty blanket. Late Saturday night, strong dusty winds swept through Barmer, and by Sunday, the dust persisted in the air, badly affecting daily life. This period also marks the beginning of Nautapa, a local term for the hottest phase of the year in Rajasthan, typically occurring in late May and early June. Nautapa, meaning "nine days of heat," is characterized by soaring temperatures that reach their peak before the monsoon arrives. On Saturday, Barmer recorded the highest temperature in Rajasthan at 47.6degC. Recent years have seen high temperatures during Nautapa as well: 43.4degC in 2021, 48.1degC in 2022, and 45.7degC in 2023. Last year, temperatures peaked at 49.9degC during Nautapa. The Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for heatwave conditions on May 25 and 26, followed by a yellow alert from May 27 to 29. The heatwave is expected to persist for the next five days, with temperatures likely to rise further....