The Meteorological Department has sounded a fresh alert for Rajasthan, with monsoon activity expected to intensify further on July 8 across several districts of eastern and southern Rajasthan. Many areas are staring at heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunder, lightning and gusty winds blowing at 40 to 50 kilometres per hour. Western Rajasthan will not be spared either, though most districts there are likely to see only light to moderate rain along with thunder and lightning. Forecasters say the monsoon will stay active across several divisions of the state for the next 5 to 7 days, which should keep temperatures below normal. The spell is being seen as good news for farmers ahead of kharif sowing, though districts under a heavy rain alert could also see waterlogging in fields.
Very Heavy Rain Threat Peaks Between July 7 and 9
According to the forecast, the monsoon will remain fully active for the next three to four days. Southern and southeastern Rajasthan could see heavy to very heavy rainfall between July 7 and 9, with the Udaipur and Kota divisions likely to bear the brunt. Most of eastern Rajasthan, on the other hand, will see relatively lighter spells, with light to moderate rain and thunder expected. A well marked low pressure system sitting over southeastern Madhya Pradesh is driving this shift in weather, and its effect is being felt across Rajasthan. Western Rajasthan could also see heavy rain at a couple of spots, and the monsoon is expected to push further into the Bikaner division and the remaining areas over the next two days. The weather department has advised people in rain hit districts to stay alert. There is some relief in sight though, as the intensity of heavy rainfall is expected to ease from July 10 onward.
What Eastern Rajasthan Can Expect on July 8
In eastern Rajasthan, districts including Udaipur, Salumbar, Tonk and Sawai Madhopur are likely to see heavy to very heavy rainfall on July 8. Jaipur, Sikar, Dausa, Bharatpur, Kota, Bundi, Baran, Chittorgarh, Bhilwara and the surrounding areas could continue to witness thunder, lightning and strong winds along with rain. Wind speeds in these districts may touch 40 to 50 kilometres per hour, so anyone stepping outdoors will need to exercise extra caution.
Western Districts Not Spared, Heavy Rain Warning For Nagaur and Pali
Western Rajasthan will feel the impact of this spell too. A heavy rain warning has been issued for Nagaur and Pali districts, while Bikaner, Jodhpur, Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Churu, Jalore, Balotra, Phalodi and Didwana-Kuchaman are expected to see thunder, lightning and strong winds along with rain. Even the desert districts of Barmer and Jaisalmer could record light to moderate rain with thunder, which counts as welcome news for these otherwise dry stretches.
Divisions Where Monsoon Will Stay Active For 5 to 7 Days
The weather department says the monsoon's biggest impact will be visible in the Udaipur, Kota, Ajmer, Jaipur and Bharatpur divisions. Several districts in the Jodhpur and Bikaner divisions are also likely to keep receiving rain. With the monsoon staying continuously active, many areas could see near daily spells of rainfall, meaning the weather pattern is unlikely to change dramatically over the coming week.
IMD Alert Issued For 38 Districts of Rajasthan
The IMD has placed 38 districts of the state under alerts of varying severity. Udaipur and Salumbar have received the strictest warning for very heavy rainfall. Tonk, Sawai Madhopur, Nagaur and Pali are under a heavy rain alert. Jaipur, Sikar, Bharatpur, Ajmer, Kota, Bundi, Baran, Bhilwara and Chittorgarh, along with most other eastern districts, are on alert for thunder and strong winds. Bikaner, Jodhpur, Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Churu, Jalore, Balotra, Didwana-Kuchaman and Phalodi in the west are under a warning for thunder and rain. The department has also flagged the possibility of lightning strikes across most of these districts, making it important for residents to take precautions against being caught out in the open.
Conditions Remain Favourable For Monsoon's Further Advance
Weather scientists say active monsoon conditions currently prevail over Rajasthan. With moisture continuing to feed into the system and the spread of rainfall widening, conditions remain favourable for the monsoon's further progress. That means more parts of Rajasthan could record good rainfall in the days ahead.
Cloud Cover to Keep Temperatures Down, Offering Relief From Heat
Persistent rain and cloud cover are expected to keep the day's maximum temperature at or below normal levels in most districts. Night temperatures could also see a mild dip. Humidity will be noticeable, but the spell should offer relief from intense heat.
A Good Window For Farmers to Sow Kharif Crops, But Waterlogging Needs Watching
The continuous rainfall is being seen as favourable for kharif crop sowing. In areas that have already received adequate rain, farmers can go ahead with sowing operations. However, in districts under a heavy to very heavy rain alert, it will be important to keep a close watch on waterlogging in fields to protect standing crops from damage.
Health Risks Rise Along With the Rain
The continuing moisture and rainfall could also raise the risk of viral fever, cold, cough, dengue, malaria and food poisoning. It would be advisable to avoid eating food left out in the open, and people should take extra precautions while moving through waterlogged areas.
