Jaipur, July 17 -- Rajasthan is witnessing a prolonged lull in monsoon activity, with rainfall dropping sharply compared to last year as the southwest monsoon enters a "break phase." According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), weak monsoon conditions have persisted across most parts of the state since July 10, resulting in scanty rainfall, rising temperatures and increasing concern among farmers over Kharif crops. Satellite imagery has shown a significant lack of cloud cover over Rajasthan during the past week, explaining the subdued rainfall activity. By July 16, around 14 districts had slipped into the rainfall-deficit category, whereas by the same date last year every district had recorded either normal or above-normal rainfall. The prolonged dry spell has begun affecting Kharif crops, particularly in areas where bajra (millet), green gram (moong), black gram (urad), sesame (til) and other rain-fed crops have been sown. Farmers say the initial showers after sowing had provided enough moisture for germination, but the absence of rain since then has hampered crop growth. In several districts, crops have started wilting in the fields, raising fears of substantial losses if good rainfall does not occur over the next few days. The dry weather has also affected crops such as coriander, with the combined impact of inadequate rainfall and high temperatures contributing to a sharp rise in market prices. The weak monsoon has also pushed up daytime temperatures across the state. During the past 24 hours, maximum temperatures remained above normal in almost all major cities. Sriganganagar was the hottest place in Rajasthan, recording 41degC, followed by Churu at 39.8degC and Jaisalmer at 39.2degC. Jaipur experienced clear skies for most of the day, with only occasional cloud cover. The city recorded a maximum temperature of 36degC and a minimum of 28.5degC. Meteorologists expect temperatures to rise further if the dry spell continues. However, weather conditions are likely to improve after July 20. The IMD said an upper-air cyclonic circulation over north Gujarat and southwest Rajasthan, along with a fresh western disturbance expected to become active on July 19, could revive rainfall activity across the state. Light to moderate rainfall is expected to increase around July 21 in Jaipur, Didwana-Kuchaman, Kota, Bharatpur, Udaipur, Sriganganagar and Hanumangarh districts. More widespread rainfall is forecast between July 22 and 24 in Jodhpur, Bikaner, Nagaur, Ajmer, Jaipur, Kota, Udaipur, Phalodi and Jaisalmer. The IMD, however, cautioned that the forecast is based on the current movement of weather systems and may change depending on their track....