Archive · 2 Aug 2026
Rajasthan Faces Drought-Like Conditions Amid Weak Monsoon
Rajasthan is getting less rain than usual, only 194 mm so far, which is 11 % below the normal 217 mm.
Because of this, many of the state’s dams are empty and the water in big reservoirs is dropping.
The weak monsoon is caused by weather patterns called El Niño and a neutral Indian Ocean Dipole that make rain less frequent.
The weather office says August and September will also be dry, which could mean people in cities like Jaipur and towns like Pali might not have enough water for drinking or farming.
If the rain doesn’t improve, Rajasthan could face a very tough year for water, hurting farmers and everyday life.
Rajasthan has received 194 mm of rainfall by August 1, 11 % below normal, with 18 districts below normal, 18 normal, and 5 above normal.
Reservoir storage is only 48.15 % of capacity, with 251 of 693 dams empty; key reservoirs like Bisalpur and Jawai have fallen in water level.
The weak monsoon is attributed to El Niño and a neutral Indian Ocean Dipole, reducing low‑pressure systems and disrupting moisture flow.
India Meteorological Department forecasts below‑normal rainfall for August and September, raising concerns of severe water stress for Jaipur, Ajmer, and Pali.
If rainfall does not improve, Rajasthan could face one of its most challenging water years, affecting agriculture, drinking water, and rural livelihoods.
- Who
- Rajasthan state officials and water managers
- What
- Drought‑like conditions due to a weak monsoon
- When
- By August 1, 2025, with forecast for August and September
- Where
- Rajasthan, India
- Why
- El Niño and a neutral Indian Ocean Dipole weakened the southwest monsoon, reducing rainfall
- Rainfall received (mm)
- 194
- Rainfall normal (mm)
- 217
- Deficit (%)
- 11
- Reservoir storage (%)
- 48.15
- Empty dams
- 251
- Forecasted rainfall (Aug‑Sept)
- below normal
- Key reservoirs affected
- Bisalpur Dam, Jawai Dam
- Monsoon start date
- July 2
- Pre‑monsoon start
- June 1