Has the Monsoon Arrived Early in Rajasthan?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Monsoon arrived early on June 18, 2023.
- Seven days ahead of the usual schedule.
- Significant implications for agriculture and water reserves.
- Heavy rainfall recorded in multiple districts.
- Low-pressure area expected to enhance monsoon activity.
Jaipur, June 18 (NationPress) The monsoon arrived early in Rajasthan on Wednesday, coming in seven days sooner than anticipated. Normally, the monsoon reaches the state around June 25, but this year it made its presence felt on June 18, marking the first early onset in the last three years.
Previously, the last early monsoon event occurred on June 18 in 2021.
In recent years, the monsoon onset was observed on June 30 in 2022 and June 25 in both 2023 and 2024, as reported by officials.
Over the past quarter-century, the earliest monsoon in Rajasthan was recorded on June 13, 2001. Other notable early arrivals include June 15 in 2013, June 17 in 2004, and June 18 in 2021.
Significant dates also include June 19 (2003), June 22 (2011 and 2016), June 23 (2015), June 24 (2020), June 25 (2023 and 2024), June 26 (2002, 2005, and 2018), June 27 (2017), June 29 (2006), and June 30 (2022).
The latest arrivals were on July 15 in both 2007 and 2019.
Other delayed monsoon events were noted on July 10 (2008), July 5 (2012), and July 3 (2009, 2010, and 2014).
In 2019, the monsoon reached on July 2. This year, the monsoon has already covered more than half of Rajasthan on its very first day.
As stated by Radheshyam Sharma, Director of the Meteorological Center in Jaipur, the monsoon has advanced into all districts of Udaipur and Kota divisions, as well as parts of Jodhpur, Ajmer, Jaipur, and Bharatpur divisions.
In the last 24 hours, moderate to heavy rainfall has been documented across various regions, with some areas experiencing exceptionally heavy downpours.
The highest rainfall in eastern Rajasthan was recorded in Kaman (Bharatpur) with 101 mm, while Raniwada (Jalore) in western Rajasthan experienced 84 mm.
A low-pressure area has formed over central Rajasthan, anticipated to enhance monsoon activity, especially in the eastern regions over the next two days.
The Meteorological Department has forecast a favorable monsoon this year, raising hopes for above-normal rainfall that could significantly benefit agriculture and improve water reserves across the state.