State of Rajasthan was lashed with sudden and intense pre monsoon showers yesterday, i.e. 13thJune 2022. Sporadic showers were more powerful over West Rajasthan in the border area, covering Barmer, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Jodhpur and Phalodi. Barmer, the closest western most post near the border was deluged with hefty thundershowers dumping 76mm in a span of few hours. The adjacent locations of Jaisalmer and Bikaner recorded 14mm and 18mm rainfall respectively. Jodhpur, Phalodi and Udaipur also received light pre monsoon showers.
Barmer has an average of 25.8mm of rainfall in June. Since the monsoon arrives last over this pocket of Rajasthan, even the pre monsoon activity remains limited and generally witnessed in the 3rd or 4th week of June and sometimes even later. On few occasions, this 2nd largest district of Rajasthan remains totally dry during this month. The deluge witnessed in the last 24hr happens to be the highest since 2011. Previous record of 24hr rainfall was72.7mm, established on 19thJuly 2014.
After the cessation of winter, the entire West Rajasthan remained nearly dry for the last more than 3 months. With the rising temperatures in the first 3 pre monsoon months of March, April and May, the sub division was sun-baked parched and desiccated. Heavy downpour has quickly been absorbed by the scorching land without causing any major problem.
Monsoon is expected over the last posts of West Rajasthan only in the 1st week of July. Dust raising winds and dust storms accompanied with strong gusty winds precede this activity. More commonly, it is witnessed in the 4th week of June or initial days of July. The current spell will recede in the next 24hr. Scattered rain and fleeting showers are expected today over Sirohi, Udaipur, Jalore, Banswara, Dungarpur, Pratapgarh and Chittorgarh. Thereafter, only isolated activity with partly cloudy sky is expected for the next 3-4 days. North and East Rajasthan may observe increase in the pre monsoon showers between 18th and 20thJune. Heat wave conditions are likely to abate during this period from most parts of the state.
