Why Has Rajasthan Been Receiving So Much Rainfall in Recent Years?

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Rajasthan, often described as India’s desert state, is famous for its golden sand dunes, dry climate, and water scarcity. But in the last few years, something unusual has been happening—this desert land is turning greener and wetter. The state has received far more rain than it used to in the past. For example, in 2024 alone, Rajasthan received 678.4 mm of rainfall, which is about 156% more than its long-term average. This sudden shift from drought-prone conditions to heavy showers has left scientists, farmers, and residents equally surprised. The change has wide-ranging effects—on farming, water availability, infrastructure, and even on the day-to-day lives of people.

What Was the Historical Climate of Rajasthan Like?

For centuries, Rajasthan has been known for its extremely dry climate. The average rainfall here has always been very low, ranging from just 100 mm in Jaisalmer in the west to nearly 900 mm in Jhalawar and Banswara in the southeast. The famous Thar Desert would receive good rainfall only once every three years, forcing farmers to grow hardy crops that could survive water scarcity.

Rainfall is also unevenly spread across the state. The eastern parts get almost double the rain compared to western Rajasthan. In fact, 91% of the total rainfall comes only during the monsoon months of June to September, making the state heavily dependent on monsoons. This dependence on seasonal rains has shaped Rajasthan’s economy, agriculture, and even culture.

What Do Recent Rainfall Trends Show?

Recent years have shown a dramatic increase in rainfall across the state. Some examples are striking:

• 2024: Rajasthan received 678.4 mm of rain—its third-highest rainfall since 1901.
  
• 2022: The state recorded 596.1 mm, which was 137% above normal.
  
• 2021: Rainfall was 117% of the long-term average.
  
• 2019: The state got 583.7 mm, about 134% above normal.
  

Between 2005 and 2024, western Rajasthan alone recorded above-normal or excess rainfall in 12 out of 20 years. Even desert districts like Jaisalmer saw 248% more rainfall than usual in 2024, breaking long-standing records.

Historical vs. Recent Rainfall in Rajasthan

Why is Rajasthan Receiving So Much Rainfall in Recent Years?

Changing Monsoon Patterns

One of the biggest reasons is the shifting path of the monsoon winds. Earlier, monsoon systems would travel mostly eastward. But now, low-pressure systems are moving more toward northwestern India, bringing moisture-rich clouds directly over Rajasthan.

Impact of Climate Change

Climate change has made the global water cycle more intense. Warmer air holds more moisture, which results in heavy downpours when it rains. Scientists also point out that the Indian Ocean Warm Pool—a large area of warm water—has expanded westward due to global warming. This is likely pushing more rainfall toward Rajasthan.

Shifting Wind Patterns and Western Disturbances

Another factor is the increasing strength of western disturbances—weather systems that come from the Mediterranean region. When they interact with monsoon winds, the combined effect often leads to heavy rains in Rajasthan.

Is Climate Change Responsible for This Unusual Rainfall?

Yes, climate change plays a big role. Rising temperatures have altered global wind and rain circulation patterns, directly affecting India’s monsoon. Studies suggest that for every 1°C rise in global temperature, rainfall in Rajasthan could increase by about 5%.

This trend might even lead to the “greening of the Thar Desert” in the coming decades. However, while this sounds positive, it also comes with challenges like flash floods, soil erosion, and ecological imbalance.

How Do El Niño and La Niña Affect Rainfall in Rajasthan?

The Pacific Ocean events El Niño and La Niña strongly influence Rajasthan’s rainfall:

• El Niño Years: Rainfall in Rajasthan usually decreases. El Niño weakens the Indian monsoon by disrupting wind circulation, resulting in dry spells.
  
• La Niña Years: These bring stronger monsoon winds, which lead to above-normal rainfall. For example, the La Niña phase between 2020 and 2022 brought excess rainfall to Rajasthan for consecutive years.
  

This explains why the state sometimes faces drought-like conditions and, in other years, devastating floods.

Which Regions of Rajasthan Get the Most Rainfall?

Rainfall distribution within Rajasthan is highly uneven. Eastern districts like Udaipur, Kota, Alwar, Dausa, and Sawai Madhopur consistently get the most rainfall. In 2024, Dausa recorded 1409.4 mm, making it the wettest district in the state.

Meanwhile, desert regions like Jaisalmer, Barmer, and Bikaner, which usually remain dry, have recently seen record-breaking rains. Jaisalmer alone received 248% of its normal rainfall in 2024.

Regional Rainfall Distribution in Rajasthan

Top Rainfall Districts in Rajasthan (2024)

What Are the Benefits of Heavy Rainfall in Rajasthan?

The rising rainfall has brought several unexpected advantages:

• Improved Groundwater: Water tables have risen, reducing the state’s water scarcity problem.
  
• Better Crops: Farmers are now able to grow water-intensive crops like paddy in areas that were earlier impossible.
  
• Reduced Water Stress: Cities and villages are seeing improved access to drinking water.
  
• Greener Landscape: Even the Thar Desert has shown signs of greening, with 38% more vegetation growth in the past two decades.
  

What Are the Problems Caused by Excessive Rainfall?

While the rains have benefits, they also bring serious problems:

• Flooding: Heavy rainfall caused the Surwal Dam overflow in 2024, submerging over 30 villages.
  
• Crop Losses: Farmers reported 20–30% crop damage in bajra and other water-sensitive crops.
  
• Infrastructure Damage: Roads, highways, and railways were washed out during floods, disrupting trade and transport.
  
• Pest Infestation: Wet conditions led to whitefly attacks and fungal infections in cumin, mustard, and chickpeas.
  

How Does Rainfall Impact Agriculture in Rajasthan?

Positive Impact on Kharif Crops

More rainfall means healthier soil moisture, which benefits crops like paddy, bajra, and pulses. Farmers can now sow crops over larger areas, increasing yields.

Problems for Rabi Crops

On the flip side, excessive rains during harvest spoil mature crops. Persistent moisture also delays wheat sowing, hurting winter harvests.

Changing Crop Choices

To adapt, many farmers are shifting to horticulture crops like pomegranate, supported by drip irrigation. This strategy helps them handle both surplus rain and water scarcity.

Will Rajasthan Continue to Get More Rainfall in the Future?

Most experts believe yes. Climate models suggest Rajasthan will see more rainfall in the coming decades, but in shorter, more intense bursts. This means the state will face both floods and droughts in quick succession.

Rajasthan may no longer remain a typical “desert state,” but it will face new climate risks that need strong adaptation measures.

What Measures Can Help Rajasthan Adapt?

To deal with these changes, Rajasthan is adopting several adaptation strategies:

• Flood Control: Early warning systems and emergency equipment are being strengthened.
  
• Efficient Irrigation: Drip and sprinkler systems are promoted to save water.
  
• Rainwater Harvesting: Programs like Mukhya Mantri Jal Swavlamban Abhiyan aim to make 44,000+ villages water self-reliant.
  
• Sustainable Farming: Encouraging climate-resilient crops and crop diversification to reduce risks.
  

Conclusion

Rajasthan’s climate is undergoing one of the most dramatic transformations in India. From being a dry desert to receiving record-breaking rains, the shift has brought both opportunities and challenges.

On the positive side, groundwater levels are rising, agriculture is expanding, and the Thar Desert is slowly turning green. But on the negative side, floods, crop damage, and infrastructure losses are becoming more common.The future of Rajasthan lies in how well it can balance these extremes—using extra water smartly while preparing for the risks of too much rain. If managed properly, this changing climate may transform Rajasthan into a land of new possibilities.

FAQs

Q1. Why has Rajasthan been receiving so much rainfall in recent years?
Rajasthan has seen unusually high rainfall because of shifting monsoon patterns, stronger western disturbances, and climate change. Warmer air holds more moisture, leading to heavier downpours. Low-pressure systems are also moving toward northwestern India, bringing rains directly over Rajasthan.

Q2. Is climate change responsible for unusual rainfall in Rajasthan?
Yes, climate change is a major factor. Rising global temperatures have intensified the Indian monsoon, causing short bursts of heavy rain. Studies suggest that for every 1°C rise in global temperature, rainfall in Rajasthan could increase by around 5%, changing the desert’s climate significantly.

Q3. Which regions of Rajasthan get the most rainfall today?
Traditionally, eastern Rajasthan (Udaipur, Kota, Alwar, Dausa) received the most rainfall. But in recent years, even desert districts like Jaisalmer and Barmer have recorded record-breaking rains—Jaisalmer saw 248% more rainfall in 2024. This shows how widespread the rainfall shift has become.

Q4. What are the benefits and problems of excess rainfall in Rajasthan?
The benefits include better groundwater recharge, higher crop yields, greener desert areas, and improved drinking water. But there are also challenges like flooding, crop loss, infrastructure damage, and pest infestations. Rajasthan must balance both sides through proper water management.

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