Rajasthan : Monsoon and Rainfall

Rainfall in large parts of the State is not only inadequate but also varies sharply from year to year and place to place. The Average rainfall of Rajasthan is 564.89 mm (1960 to 2009) compared to the all-India average of 1,100mm and a significant variation is seen across different regions.

The South-west monsoon brings the maximum rainfall in the state. In certain areas south-east and intermediate rainfalls also contribute towards the total rainfall. Pre-monsoon showers start towards the end of June and post-monsoon showers may continue till the first week of October.

At many of the places highest rainfall is received in July and August. The period of monsoon is shortest, ranging around 2 to 2.5 months. Its onset is late and withdrawal early as compared to other States and one or two dry spells is a common phenomenon. 90 percent of the total rainfall is received during monsoon season (July-September).

In the western Rajasthan, the average annual rainfall during 1980 to 2009 ranges from less than 171.12 mm in north-western part of Jaisalmer (lowest in the state) to 400 mm in Sikar, Jhunjhunu region and along the western periphery of the Aravalli range. In the eastern region, the rainfall ranges from around 400 mm in Ajmer to 762.19 mm in Jhalawar. In plains, Banswara (795.25 mm) and Jhalawar (762.19 mm) districts receive the maximum annual rain.

The highest rainfall is received in the southwest region of the State. The annual spatially averaged rainfall is highly variable and it is most erratic in the western region with frequent dry spells, punctuated occasionally by heavy downpour in some years associated with the passing low pressure systems over the region .

The number of rainy days during the south west monsoon period from June end to mid-September over Rajasthan varies from 10 in Jaisalmer to 40 in Jhalawar and to 48 in Mount Abu. The quantum of rain and number of rainfall days during the rest of the year in different parts of Rajasthan range from 2.1 cm at Jaisalmer to 7.2 cm at Jaipur, distributed over 2.5 to 6 rainy days .

During the rainfall deficit year of 2002, the state received just 220.4 mm rainfall up to September, against the normal of 518.6 mm in the overall monsoon .The maximum average rainfall of 726 mm was recorded in 1996 and minimum 291.6 mm was recorded in 1987, prior to 2002.

Rajasthan is heavily dependent on rainfall as it is the major source of water resource in the arid / semi-arid state. All the rivers of Rajasthan are rain-fed, the only exception being river Chambal.

The major land use is rain-fed Cropping, the Eastern Rajasthan that falls in the semi-arid 500–1000mm annual rainfall zone and is intensively cultivated. Thus, any fluctuation of rainfall in the Climate sensitive state of Rajasthan can pose a multitude of socio-economic problems

Category of Intensity of Rainfall

Abnormal 60% or more
Excess 20% to 59%
Normal 19% to (-)19%
Deficit (-)20% to (-)59%
Scanty (-)60% or less

Rajasthan is a state in northwestern India. It is the largest state in India by area, covering 342,239 square kilometers (132,139 sq mi). The state is bordered by Pakistan to the northwest, Gujarat to the west, Haryana and Punjab to the north, Uttar Pradesh to the northeast, Madhya Pradesh to the east, and Gujarat to the south. The capital of Rajasthan is Jaipur.

Rajasthan is a desert state, with a hot and dry climate. The average annual rainfall in Rajasthan is 500 millimeters (20 in). The monsoon season is from June to September, and this is when most of the rainfall occurs. The rainfall distribution in Rajasthan is uneven, with the western part of the state receiving much less rainfall than the eastern part. The rainfall patterns in Rajasthan are also variable, with some years being very wet and others being very dry.

The rainfall trends in Rajasthan show a decreasing trend over the past few decades. This is due to Climate Change, which is causing the monsoon rains to become less frequent and less intense. The rainfall variability in Rajasthan is also increasing, with more extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts, becoming more common.

Rainfall forecasting in Rajasthan is important for planning and managing water Resources. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issues rainfall forecasts for Rajasthan. The IMD’s forecasts are based on a variety of data, including satellite data, weather radar data, and ground-based observations.

Rainwater harvesting is an important water management practice in Rajasthan. Rainwater harvesting is the collection and storage of rainwater for later use. Rainwater can be harvested from roofs, terraces, and other surfaces. Rainwater harvesting can be used for drinking water, Irrigation, and other purposes.

Floods are a major hazard in Rajasthan. The state is prone to flash floods, which are caused by heavy rains over a short period of time. Floods can cause damage to property and Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE, and can also lead to loss of life.

Droughts are also a major hazard in Rajasthan. The state is prone to both meteorological droughts, which are caused by a lack of rainfall, and agricultural droughts, which are caused by a lack of water for irrigation. Droughts can cause crop failures, Livestock deaths, and loss of life.

Water management is a critical issue in Rajasthan. The state is facing a water crisis, due to a combination of factors, including climate change, Population Growth, and over-extraction of groundwater. Water management strategies in Rajasthan include rainwater harvesting, water conservation, and water recycling.

Climate change is having a significant impact on rainfall in Rajasthan. The monsoon rains are becoming less frequent and less intense, and the rainfall patterns are becoming more variable. This is having a negative impact on agriculture, Water Resources, and the Environment.

The Impact Of Climate Change on rainfall in Rajasthan is expected to continue in the future. The state is likely to experience more extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts. This will have a devastating impact on the people and the economy of Rajasthan.

Adaptation to climate change and rainfall in Rajasthan is essential. The state needs to develop strategies to reduce its vulnerability to climate change. These strategies include rainwater harvesting, water conservation, water recycling, and improved agricultural practices.

What is the monsoon?
The monsoon is a seasonal change in the direction of the prevailing winds in the tropics, particularly in the Indian subcontinent. The term is used most specifically in the context of the Indian subcontinent, where the monsoon season is characterized by heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.

When is the monsoon in Rajasthan?
The monsoon season in Rajasthan typically lasts from June to September. The heaviest rainfall occurs in July and August.

How much rain does Rajasthan get in the monsoon?
The average annual rainfall in Rajasthan is about 300 millimeters (12 inches). However, there is a great deal of variation from year to year. Some years, the state receives very little rain, while other years it receives much more.

What are the benefits of the monsoon?
The monsoon brings much-needed rain to Rajasthan, which is a dry and arid state. The rain helps to replenish the groundwater and surface water supplies, and it also helps to improve the growth of crops.

What are the challenges of the monsoon?
The monsoon can also bring problems, such as flooding, landslides, and power outages. In addition, the heavy rains can make roads impassable and can damage crops.

How is the monsoon changing?
The monsoon is changing due to climate change. The average annual rainfall is decreasing, and the monsoon season is becoming shorter. This is having a negative impact on the agriculture and economy of Rajasthan.

What can be done to adapt to the changing monsoon?
There are a number of things that can be done to adapt to the changing monsoon, such as:

Investing in infrastructure to protect against flooding and landslides
Developing drought-tolerant crops
Improving water management practices
Raising awareness of the risks of climate change

The monsoon is a seasonal wind pattern that brings heavy rains to India. The monsoon season in India typically lasts from June to September.
The monsoon rains are caused by the difference in temperature between the land and the ocean. The land heats up faster than the ocean, causing the air to rise. This rising air creates an area of low pressure over the land. The air from the ocean, which is cooler and has higher pressure, flows in to fill this low pressure area. This flow of air is what causes the monsoon rains.
The monsoon rains are essential for Agriculture In India. The rains provide the water that crops need to grow. Without the monsoon rains, many crops would not be able to grow and India would face a food shortage.
The monsoon rains also cause flooding in some parts of India. The heavy rains can cause rivers to overflow their banks, flooding towns and villages. Flooding can damage crops and infrastructure, and can also lead to loss of life.
The monsoon rains are a vital part of the Indian climate. They bring much-needed water to the country and help to support agriculture. However, they can also cause flooding and other problems.

Here are some MCQs about the monsoon in India:

The monsoon season in India typically lasts from:
(a) June to September
(b) October to December
(c) January to March
(d) April to June
The monsoon rains are caused by:
(a) The difference in temperature between the land and the ocean
(b) The difference in pressure between the land and the ocean
(c) The difference in humidity between the land and the ocean
(d) The difference in wind speed between the land and the ocean
The monsoon rains are essential for:
(a) Agriculture
(b) Industry
(c) Tourism
(d) Transportation
The monsoon rains can cause:
(a) Flooding
(b) Drought
(c) Earthquakes
(d) Tsunamis
The monsoon rains are a vital part of the Indian climate. True or False?

Answers:
1. (a)
2. (a)
3. (a)
4. (a)
5. True