Jaipur: Rajasthan is set to miss the traditional June 24 onset date of the southwest monsoon, with weather conditions remaining unfavourable for its advance into the state.Meteorologists now expect the monsoon to enter Rajasthan only after June 28 as weak moisture inflow, the absence of a strong low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, and unfavourable wind patterns continue to impede its progress.The monsoon has remained virtually stagnant over eastern and central India for nearly a week.“At present, conditions are not favourable for the advancement of the southwest monsoon into Rajasthan. The monsoon has remained stagnant over eastern India due to the absence of a strong low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal and inadequate moisture supply. If favourable conditions develop, the monsoon is likely to enter parts of Rajasthan only after June 28,” Jaipur Meteorological Centre director Radhey Shyam Sharma said.Despite the delayed onset, Rajasthan has witnessed widespread pre-monsoon activity over the past fortnight. Successive western disturbances and pre-monsoon weather systems have triggered thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds, and rainfall across several districts, resulting in above-normal June rainfall in many parts of the state. The weather activity has provided considerable relief from the intense summer heat, keeping temperatures below normal across most regions.Jaipur recorded a maximum temperature of 36.0 °C, which was 3.0 °C below normal, while the minimum temperature settled at 24.0 °C, nearly 3.8 °C below normal. The city received 2.5 mm of rainfall during the past 24 hours.Across the state, Sriganganagar was the hottest place at 42.0 °C, followed by Barmer and Jaisalmer at 41.0 °C each, Bikaner at 40.0 °C, and Sangaria at 39.4 °C. The lowest maximum temperature among major stations was recorded at Sikar at 33.0 °C, while Mount Abu remained the coolest place in Rajasthan with a maximum of 28.1 °C and a minimum of 19.8 °C.Rainfall activity continued in several districts. Sikar recorded the highest rainfall of 49 mm, followed by Jhunjhunu (34 mm), Sriganganagar (14.2 mm), Kota (8.8 mm), Bikaner (3.4 mm), Jaipur (2.5 mm), and Pilani and Fatehpur (1.2 mm each) during the last 24 hours. Thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds were reported from several parts of eastern and northern Rajasthan.The Jaipur Meteorological Centre has forecast continued thunderstorm, lightning and rainfall activity over many districts during the next few days. Officials said a fresh low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal would be crucial for accelerating the monsoon’s advance towards northwest India. Until then, pre-monsoon showers and gusty winds are likely to persist, keeping temperatures below normal and providing relief from heat across much of Rajasthan.
