Compared to last year, Rajasthan records lesser rains this time

Monsoon starts its withdrawal from the extreme western parts of Rajasthan in the beginning of September. However, southwest monsoon, after being silent during August, now once again is on the front seat in eastern parts of the state. During the last 24 hours, heavy to very heavy rains have been observed over few places of East Rajasthan.

However, till September 4, rainfall received in the state is 5.41 per cent lower to normal rainfall. As per Water Resource Department data, state has received 441.16 mm of rainfall against the normal rainfall of 466.42 mm in the period of June 1 to September 4. Total 11 districts of the state have observed deficit (-20% to -59% below normal) rainfall which is a matter of concern for these districts, though, none of the districts received scanty rainfall so far.

However, excess (+20% to +59%) rainfall has been recorded in 4 districts and in 18 districts normal rainfall occurred so far. 

So far, during south-west monsoon onset this year, no district in the state has received abnormal (60% or more than normal) rainfall while 4 districts including Bharatpur, Bikaner, Sawai Madhopur and Sikar have received excess (20% to 59% more than normal) rainfall. Another 18 districts in the state have observed normal rainfall while 11 districts including Ajmer, Barmer, Bundi, Hanumangarh, Jaisalmer, Jalore, Jodhpur, Nagaur, Pali, Sirohi and Tonk have recorded deficit ( minus 20% to minus 59% than normal) rainfall. 

Jalore, among the districts with deficit rainfall, recorded the lowest rainfall of 148.10 mm which is 57.2% less than normal rainfall of 346.30 mm. Similarly, Sirohi received 327.66 mm rainfall so far which is around 56.9% less than the normal rainfall of 761 mm. Barmer, Hanumangarh and Pali received 43%, 35%, and 33.5% less than normal rainfall this monsoon, respectively. State capital Jaipur has recorded 7.2% less than normal rainfall this monsoon onset.