The average total yearly rainfall in Jaipur is around 635 mm, most of which falls in July and August during the hight of the monsoon season. Meanwhile, New York City receives about 1170 mm of precipitation. This means that New York City receives about twice the amount of rainfall and receives rain throughout the year, not just during a monsoon season. In addition, summer temperatures in Jaipur can reach highs of 115 degrees Fahrenheit. The lack of water and high temperatures can be a challenge to the people living here as well as to the plants and animals they rely on to survive.
The low and variable rainfall means that farmers near Jairpur must irrigate, or water, their crops instead of relying on rainfall to provide for the plants. Farmers pump water from sources such as rivers and groundwater and grow crops that are well adapted to the heat and water stress of the region. Rajathan is still home to traditional nomadic animal herders, people who move from place to place as part of their lifestyle. These people often herd sheep, goats, and cattle in search of green pastures following the monsoon. The rest of society must adapt, too, in order to handle heat and water shortages. Villages often create ponds to collect rainwater during the monsoon and save it for times when there is less water available. Many homes are equipped with ventillation to provide airflow and have desert coolers that rely on water and evaporation to cool the air.
