Jaipur: Monsoon likely to reach Rajasthan by first week of July

JAIPUR: As the south west monsoon is already delayed for a week in Kerala, the parched state Rajasthan too would witness a little delay. It is expected to hit Rajasthan by the first week of July. And its widespread activity to cover the entire state would not be witnessed before July 10. As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi the progress of the monsoon is good so far and if it does not get deterred or weak it is expected to hit Kota, Jhalawar and Baran by the first week of July probably on July 5.
Officials of the Jaipur Met office said that condition would be conducive for the onset of monsoon by June 22 onwards when the state will witness pre-monsoon showers in some parts.Also the pre- monsoon activity will increase the humidity levels as for the onset of the south west monsoon, and for monsoon rainfall a humidity of 80% and above is required. “Currently, the humidity levels in the state are 11 to 12% and will start rising further from June 15 onwards,” said an officer with the Jaipur Met office.
According to IMD’s records the monsoon reached eastern Rajasthan on June 27 in 2018. Over the last four years, the onset date in the state has ranged from June 24 to June 30. “Everything depends on its progress. Usually we get monsoon showers after Maharashtra, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. It is to be seen how south west monsoon reaches these states and its progress,” said an officer.
Also Rajasthan badly needs a good monsoon as a majority of its reservoirs are parched including Bisalpur Dam that has been a key source of drinking water for Tonk, Ajmer and Jaipur districts. In 2017 Rajasthan had received an average rainfall of 506.5mm which came down to 493.7mm in 2018.