What is the monsoon season in India?
The monsoon season in India is a vital and dramatic climatic phase that brings significant rainfall to most parts of the country. It typically occurs between June and September, marking the arrival of the Southwest Monsoon winds from the Indian Ocean.
When Does Monsoon Season Occur in India?
Kerala, the entry point of the Indian monsoon in June, is where the season is first noticed and it then progresses further up the country. Being mid of July, the rainfall becomes more or less constant in most regions in India. Around September, the rains begin to stop in the northwest region first.
In these four months, the country has about 75% of its total rain, so it is very important for farmers, water supplies and the environment.
Why Monsoon Happens: The Science Behind It
The monsoons happen because the land becomes hotter than the sea. In the summer, the land in the Indian subcontinent gets hotter faster than the ocean water around it. This causes a low in air pressure over the land which draws in air from the Indian Ocean. As the air with lots of moisture comes in contact with land and climbs, it cools and forms clouds which create rain.
There are two primary monsoon branches:
- The Arabian Sea Branch – is related to the western coast, including Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa.
- Bay of Bengal Branch – goes toward the northeastern and northern regions of India, covering West Bengal, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
Importance of the Monsoon in India
- Agriculture:
Most of the population in India, which is about 60%, draws income from agriculture and farming mainly depends on rainfall. There are crops that only grow well when seasonal rainfall is ample and some of these are rice, maize, cotton and pulses. - Water Supply:
Thanks to rain, rivers, lakes and underground water reserves are filled up, providing water for farms, industries and people. - Economic Impact:
Monsoon season brings prosperity to rural economies; however, any delays or poor monsoons may cause droughts, a lack of crops and inflation.
Challenges During Monsoon
Although monsoons are necessary, they also create some challenges.
- Flooding happens in regions near rivers and close to sea levels.
- Hilly areas such as Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and the Northeast have many cases of landslides.
- Disturbances in the movement or performance of transportation and infrastructure
- By having disaster preparations and early warning systems, countries can lower the negative effects.
June to September is the monsoon season in India, mainly due to the Southwest Monsoon which helps to support life in most regions. It is very important in farming, water management and for lots of people in general. The monsoon is much heavier than just a season here in India.
