JAIPUR: For the first time in 10 years, monsoon was yet to cover all the 33 districts even after entering the state 18 days ago.
Usually after the onset of monsoon, it covers the entire state within seven to eight days. Though the southwest monsoon arrived in Rajasthan on June 18, Jaipur, Ajmer and Bharatpur divisions and parts of western Rajasthan were yet to get their first monsoon showers. According to weathermen, monsoon will resume its activities again from July 10.
“Usually, monsoon enters Rajasthan from Kota and Jhalawar between June 18 and June 20 and covers the entire state by June 29. At times, there is a period of monsoon break, which usually lasts seven to eight days. But this year, it has taken a break of 18 days so far,” said Jaipur Met office director Radhey Shyam Sharma.
Sharma added that due to cyclonic effects and non-activation of easterly winds, the monsoon break has been longer than the usual. “Things are now conducive for the further progress of monsoon from July 10 onwards. Many places in Jaipur, Ajmer and Bharatpur division are likely to get mild to moderate showers soon,” Sharma added.
Asked if the longer break of monsoon will lead to deficit rainfall in Rajasthan, he said, “I don’t think so. It is clear that from July 10 onwards, the districts where the monsoon rainfall is deficit are likely to get normal or more than normal rainfall. All deficit would be covered by the monsoon in its first spell in Jaipur, Ajmer and Bharatpur divisions of the state,” he added.
Meanwhile, mercury continued its upward swing across the state. Majority of the places witnessed maximum temperatures on and above 40°C.
