Jaipur: Rajasthan is likely to witness light rainfall in 10 districts on Saturday, even as the southwest monsoon continues to remain weak across the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said monsoon activity is expected to pick up again from July 21, with heavy rainfall likely in several districts later next week.

According to the IMD, Rajasthan has received 21 per cent below-normal rainfall so far this monsoon season. While scattered showers are expected in parts of the state over the next few days, a widespread spell of rain is likely to begin from July 21.

Rain forecast for 10 districts; heavy showers recorded in Kota

The IMD has forecast light to moderate rainfall in Barmer, Balotra, Jalore, Sirohi, Udaipur, Salumbar, Dungarpur, Banswara, Baran and Jhalawar on Saturday.

During the past 24 hours, Kota recorded 16.6 mm of rainfall, while Dungarpur received 12.5 mm. Parts of Alwar also witnessed evening showers, providing relief from the prevailing heat and humidity.

Despite the rainfall in some areas, temperatures remained high across much of the state. Sri Ganganagar was the hottest place in Rajasthan, recording around 42°C, followed by Churu (41.1°C) and Bikaner (40.2°C).

Monsoon likely to strengthen from July 21

The Meteorological Centre said weak monsoon conditions are likely to persist for the next three to four days, with only isolated light rain expected in parts of the Kota, Bharatpur and Jaipur divisions.

However, monsoon activity is expected to become active again from July 21. The IMD has issued a Yellow Alert for heavy rainfall in more than 20 districts on that day. A fresh spell of rain is also likely to spread across western and central Rajasthan between July 22 and 23, while Bikaner and Jodhpur divisions may experience heavy rainfall between July 23 and 26.

Heat and humidity continue across major cities

The prolonged monsoon break has led to rising heat and humidity in several cities. Jaipur has remained without significant rainfall for nearly 12 days, recording a maximum temperature of 37.5°C and a minimum of 29.8°C, around three degrees above normal.

In Sikar, rainfall remains significantly below average this season, with the district receiving less than 40 per cent of its normal rainfall up to July 17. Similar hot and humid conditions prevailed in Jodhpur, Udaipur and Ajmer, although light rain is expected in some of these areas over the coming days.

With monsoon activity forecast to strengthen from July 21, residents are likely to get relief from the prolonged spell of hot and humid weather, while farmers are expected to benefit from the anticipated increase in rainfall across the state.