Rajasthan Monsoon Revives After Two-Week Gap, Heavy Rain Forecast

The southwest monsoon has revived over Rajasthan after a gap of nearly two weeks, bringing heavy rainfall to several eastern and southeastern districts. The Meteorological Department has forecast continued monsoon activity across most parts of the state over the next four to five days, with isolated areas likely to receive heavy to very heavy rain.

Sikar recorded the highest rainfall in the 24 hours ending Tuesday morning, receiving 10 cm of rain. Nawalgarh in Jhunjhunu recorded 9 cm, followed by Shahabad in Baran with 8 cm. Jhunjhunu, Bari and Baseri in Dholpur received 7 cm each. Heavy to very heavy rainfall was also reported from isolated areas of Dholpur, Jaipur, Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Baran.

The weather department attributed the renewed activity to a cyclonic circulation over northeast Rajasthan and adjoining areas, along with the monsoon trough remaining near its normal position. Eastern and southeastern Rajasthan are expected to receive isolated spells of heavy to very heavy rain in the coming days.

Rajasthan's rainfall during the June-September rainy season is primarily driven by the Southwest Monsoon, which carries moisture from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. The Northeast Monsoon, or retreating monsoon, becomes active mainly between October and December and is particularly important for Tamil Nadu and other parts of southeastern peninsular India. It is not the main source of rainfall for Rajasthan.

Moderate to heavy rain was forecast at isolated places in Bharatpur, Jaipur and Ajmer divisions, while light to moderate showers were expected in parts of Jodhpur, Udaipur and Bikaner divisions. From July 22 to 26, most divisions are likely to receive rain, with isolated heavy showers and very heavy rain possible at one or two locations.

In Sikar, heavy overnight rain caused severe waterlogging, flooding roads and affecting residential areas, the Police Lines and District Collectorate premises. Railway operations were also disrupted, with two train services partially cancelled due to waterlogging.

Despite the revival, Rajasthan had recorded 20.25 per cent below-normal rainfall as of July 20. Twenty-four districts remained in the deficit category, 15 recorded normal rainfall, while Bikaner and Churu reported excess rainfall.