Jaipur: The southwest monsoon is likely to enter Rajasthan within the next 48 hours after a delay of nearly a week, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting its arrival over eastern parts of the state on July 2 or 3.The onset will be around eight days later than the normal date of June 24. If the forecast holds, it will be only the third time in the past 13 years that the southwest monsoon has entered Rajasthan in July.The Jaipur Meteorological Centre said weather conditions have become favourable for the monsoon’s advance. “Weather conditions are favourable for the advancement of the southwest monsoon into Rajasthan during the next 48 hours,” the Met office said.Rainfall activity is expected to intensify across eastern and southeastern Rajasthan from July 2, with the Udaipur, Kota, Ajmer, Bharatpur and Jaipur divisions likely to receive widespread rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds. The monsoon is expected to establish itself across these regions by July 3.Heavy rain has been forecast at isolated places in the Kota and Udaipur divisions on July 4 and 5, with one or two locations likely to receive very heavy rainfall. Rainfall is expected to spread to most districts by July 6.Western Rajasthan, including the Jodhpur and Bikaner divisions, is likely to witness thunderstorms and strong winds of 60-70 kmph between July 3 and 6. Meanwhile, parts of Kota, Udaipur and Bharatpur witnessed thunderstorms accompanied by 50-60 kmph winds and moderate rain Wednesday while isolated areas of the Bikaner division could receive light to moderate rain with thunder.Jaipur received light rain Wednesday afternoon after a hot and humid day. The city recorded a maximum temperature of 38.2°C and a minimum of 29.2°C, while 1.3 mm of rainfall was recorded till evening, bringing relief from the sultry weather.Sriganganagar was the hottest place in the state at 44.2°C, followed by Phalodi (41.4°C) and Bikaner (41.2°C).Despite the expected onset, meteorologists have cautioned that Rajasthan may receive below-normal rainfall during July, although the first week of the month is likely to bring widespread showers and respite from the prolonged heat.
