Surprisingly, the climatic conditions of Western Rajasthan have been observed to be unusual as the Thar Desert experiences 20 years of above-normal rainfall. Most parts of Southwest Rajasthan are part of the Thar desert, also referred to as The Great Indian Desert, which is known for its familiar and predictable climate conditions of low, erratic rainfall and scorching summer temperatures that can soar above 45°C. This dry, arid, and humid condition makes up one of the most challenging environments for both vegetation and human habitation compared to the current climatic conditions of the desert, as the Thar Desert Experiences 20 years of above-normal rainfall.

Thar Desert Experiences 20 Years of Above-Normal Rainfall: Analysis

Historically, the Thar desert usually is recorded to receive an average annual rainfall of 100 to 200 millimeters. As per data released by IMD (Indian Meteorological Department), for the last 6 years, Thar desert has received above-average or excess monsoon, with the data also indicating that in the last 20 years, the average annual rainfall percentage has risen to approximately 250 to 300 millimetres.This represents a 25-50% increase in precipitation compared to historical averages, highlighting a significant shift in the desert’s climatic patterns.

In comparison the nearby regions of Punjab and Haryana have experienced opposing rainfall patterns annually. In a closer look we can see that Punjab has had 7 years of below average rainfall and 12 years of average rainfall. While Haryana was observed with 3 years of above average rainfall of 13.5%.,8 average years of rainfall recorded in the last 2 decades.

Rajeevan also provided a supporting argument regarding the local factors which have affected seasonal patterns “Local soil moisture feedback over Rajasthan also helps to tie-up the monsoon trough in that position and attract more low-pressure systems over that region. There is growing evidence of increasing soil moisture in Rajasthan and its interaction with the monsoon.”

Also Read: Azolla: A Climate-Friendly Superplant with Untapped Potential

Factors Contributing to Increased Rainfall

Global warming and the changing weather pattern indicates the influence of climate change in the region’s annual rainfall.The increase in rainfall over the Thar desert can be traced back to the rising surface temperatures of the Indian Ocean causing intense monsoon winds, pushing more moisture towards western and northwestern India.

More insight was given to M Rajeevan, a former secretary of the Union Earth Sciences ministry, who explained the process of the increasing rainfall pattern: “Rainfall over Rajasthan and Punjab-Haryana is decided by the position of the monsoon trough and the westward movement of low-pressure systems in the rainy season. During recent years, we have seen that the monsoon trough was positioned south of its normal position with more westward movement of low-pressure systems. In such situations, Rajasthan gets more rain and Punjab-Haryana less.”

Impact on the Ecosystem and Local Communities

The increasing rainfall pattern has impacted groundwater levels, increasing natural reservoirs. However, high levels of consistent rain can cause potential issues with waterlogging and soil erosion due to sudden heavy rainfall.

Such scenarios call for much more steadfast, and well-thought-out planned sustainable development practices to harness the benefits of increased rainfall while mitigating potential negative effects and also focus on mitigating any damages and carrying out precautions in scenarios of extreme climate change impacting rainfall, agriculture and the livelihoods of people. If anything, this serves as a wake-up call to the effects of climate change on our fragile ecosystem as the Thar Desert experiences 20 years of above-normal rainfall.

Also Read: Rainfall Warning For Tamil Nadu: Heavy To Very Heavy Rainfall Expected This Week